September 10th Marks Suicide Prevention Day Each Year
Suicide rates are growing but suicide still remains a preventable act. As reported by the CDC, approximately every 11 minutes someone takes their own life in the USA . This has led suicide to becoming one of the leading causes of death in our nation, and a major cause of preventable death, as suicide can be prevented with appropriate mental health support and advocacy. For each suicide, there are more than 26 attempts that often end up hospitalized. Suicide has become a global problem impacting countries considered high, middle, and low income, it does not discriminate.
Untreated and undiagnosed mental illness is a leading contributor to suicide. According to the CDC, “Many factors can increase the risk for suicide or protect against it. Suicide is connected to other forms of injury and violence. For example, people who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence have a higher suicide risk. Being connected to family and community support and having easy access to health care can decrease suicidal thoughts and behaviors.”
source(CDC .gov/suicide/facts/index.html)
Risk Awareness
The documented risk between suicide and untreated and undiagnosed mental illness shows it to be one of the leading causes of suicide. Depression and alcohol use disorders stand out among the top contributing disorders. Life crisis often leave people feeling unable to deal with the stressors of that moment, this can lead to extreme impulsive decisions such as suicide. Life crisis are not limited but may include: financial problems, divorce, break-ups, illness, an arrest, and chronic pain.
Suicidal behavior is also highly correlated with any group or individual experiencing abuse, violence, conflict, disaster, and isolation. Those experiencing these difficult scenarios often feel that they have no out and begin to lose hope for the future. Additionally, those in groups that experience discrimination are some of the most vulnerable to high suicide rates. These groups include refugees, migrants, prisoners, those of the LGBTQ+ communities, and indigenous peoples.
Biggest Factor
We have discussed that there are many reasons that may lead to suicide, but the biggest risk factor to watch for amongst all others is found in anyone who has ever had a previous suicide attempt.
3 Ideas For Action
- Help to spread awareness of suicide and suicide attempts to aid in the conversation to reduce stigmas around suicide and mental illness to help improve the discussion around resources for those most vulnerable.
- Reach out to those you care about, especially any that you feel may be vulnerable to mental illness and suicidal tendencies and let them know that you care about them.
- If you are struggling yourself then reach out to someone you trust and let them know you are struggling. You can also call or text the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 to speak with someone.
As Depression is one of the leading contributors to suicide, we have decided to include a link to our past article entitled
“6 Beliefs That Keep You From Seeking Help For Depression.”
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or depression, we can help. Recovery Ways is a premier drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah. We have the resources to effectively treat a dual diagnosis. Our mission is to provide the most cost-effective, accessible substance abuse treatment to as many people as possible. Request information online or call us today at 1-888-986-7848.
