By Nanette Nelson, LCMHC
May is Mental Health Month and this year I became aware of the many resources offered by the Epicopal Church. This week I will present information on suicide prevention.
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. From 1999 through 2018, the suicide rate increased 35%, from 10.5 per 100,000 to 14.2. In 2018, suicide rates were higher in the most rural counties compared with the most urban counties for both males and females. 54% of people who died by suicide in 2016 did not have a known mental health condition.
In 2020 due to the onset of Covid the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety disorder was approximately three times those reported in the second quarter of 2019 (25.5% versus 8.1%), and prevalence of depressive disorder was approximately four times that reported in the second quarter of 2019 (24.3% versus 6.5%). Approximately twice as many respondents reported serious consideration of suicide in the previous 30 days than did adults in the United States in 2018, referring to the previous 12 months (10.7% versus 4.3%). In September 2019, leaders in the identified program areas were convened for a day-long “Summit” in Denver Colorado to begin the process of developing suicide education resources and trainings. As an immediate first step, several resources were identified as helpful and relevant. In September 2020, this working group gathered again to continue to refine these resources and, given the dramatic rise in suicide rates, to partner with LivingWorks to provide training for leaders in recognize when someone is thinking about suicide and connect them to help and support.
If you or someone you know are in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, help is available. Please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. You can also text, 741741 or click herefor immediate confidential support. Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. This National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Here are some other resources:
American Foundation for the Prevention of Suicide
Suicide Prevention Resource Center (click here for state-level resources)