September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day

No one likes to talk about this hard subject, but most of us probably know someone who has attempted or succeeded in suicide. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, "suicides are the 10th leading cause of death. in the US · In 2018, 48,344 Americans died by suicide · In 2018, there were an estimated 1.4M suicide attempts". White males have a greater than 69% success rate of all suicides together in 2018. There has also been a steady increase in suicides since 2009. https://afsp.org/risk-factors-and-warning-signs

Because there's no single cause for suicide it is hard to pin point. But most attempts are made when there is a great deal of stressors and or health issues that create a sense of hopelessness and despair.

"World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is an awareness day observed on 10 September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), collaborates with the World Health Organization(WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), to host World Suicide Prevention Day. In 2011 an estimated 40 countries held awareness events to mark the occasion." https://www.iabhp.com/national-wellness-observance-calendar/world-suicide-prevention-day/

There is a need to look at this as an urgent condition, especially with our world crisis of Covid-19, the Unrest in the country and climate change taking on a whole new challenge. There is a need to know who is at risk, the warning signs to look for and how to get help.

Risk Factors: Health

• Mental health conditions

  • Depression

  • Substance use problems

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Schizophrenia

• Personality traits of aggression, mood changes and poor relationships

  • Conduct disorders

  • Anxiety disorders

• Serious physical health conditions including pain

• Traumatic brain injury

Risk Factors: Historical

• Previous suicide attempts

• Family history of suicide

• Childhood abuse neglect or trauma

Not only is it important to know who is at risk, it is also important to look at behaviors that can cause a need to help seek out care. Sooner rather than later.

Warning signs- Behavior

Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs

• Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods

• Withdrawing from activities

• Isolating from family and friends

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

• Giving away prized possessions

• Aggression

• Fatigue

If you or anyone you know show signs of any of these, reach out to your nearest Suicide Prevention Hot line at 1-800-273-8255, or call your nearest Crisis Intervention Team. 911 for an emergency but have them activate their suicide prevention team.

We can also, help those that may be off of medications for depression or anxiety until they can get in to their own PCP. Make an appointment at https://www.hhctelehealth.com/book-online