Suicide Awareness

Suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death in the United States.

Middle-aged white men represented the highest rate of death by suicide in 2018, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

About 132 people die by suicide daily.

For those already suffering from anxiety and depression, this pandemic has caused a whole new feeling of isolation, said Eileen Martin, a bereavement counselor on AuthoraCare Collective’s Greensboro campus.

“No one wants to talk about suicide,” Martin said. “We tend to shut down. But we can’t – we have to get it out in the open – and deal with it.”

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and while mental health disorders are a risk factor, the CDC has compiled a list of others that should be taken into consideration:

● Alcohol and other substance use disorders

●  Hopelessness

● Aggressive and/or impulsive tendencies

● History of abuse or trauma

● Major physical illnesses

● Previous suicide attempt(s)

● Family history of suicide

● Financial or job loss

● Loss of relationship(s)

● Easy access to lethal means

● Local clusters of suicide

● Lack of social support and sense of isolation

● Stigma associated with asking for help

● Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment

● Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma

● Exposure to others who have died by suicide (either in real life or via social media)

If you think someone you love is contemplating death by suicide, the CDC has a five-step process to follow:

1. Ask – Martin recommended not skirting around the issue, either. “Ask them – are you thinking about killing yourself?”
2. Keep them safe.
3. Be there.
4. Help them connect.
5. Follow up.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800-273-8255 – provides free support for those in distress as well as crisis resources for friends and family members. 

And if you know someone who has lost a loved one to suicide, support that person.

“Don’t avoid them. It’s more painful when no one asks how they are. And don’t tell them that their loved one is in a better place and not suffering anymore. That’s painful for them to hear. You don’t have to say anything, but I’m thinking of you,” Martin said. “And you can leave a casserole on their porch, if you want, but do it without any expectations.”

AuthoraCare Collective offers a free Suicide Loss Group, every third Tuesday of the month. The group is now offered virtually. If you are interested in participating, contact Eileen Martin at [email protected].