Welcome to what will be the first many posts here on the HIKE for Mental Health blog this week. This is National Suicide Prevention Week and we are doing our part to help prevent suicides by bringing awareness to this crisis and providing resources this week. Today it is all about the facts. So, let’s get into it.
Did you know? Facts & Stats
According to research conducted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, on average, there are 130 deaths by suicide every day. It is the 10th leading cause of death in America AND it is the 2nd leading cause of death for people among the ages of 10-34. In 2019, 47,511 people died by suicide and it is estimated that 1.38 million attempted suicide. Currently suicide is considered an illegal act in 25 countries. (If you’d like to fact check, please check out the CDC research reported by AFSP and IASP. You will be hearing more about these two organizations this week.)
Did you know? Contributing Factors
A person does not have to be diagnosed with a mental illness to have suicidal thinking. While having a serious mental health condition like major depression, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder does increase the risk of having suicidal thinking, it is not a necessary requirement. Oftentimes suicidal thinking can be present after a recent, significant loss. This can be the loss of a loved one, a loss in social status, and job loss. It’s important to know that because suicide is complex, there’s usually never one single reason a person attempts to end his or her life.
Did you know? Available Resources
If you or someone you love or care about is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please know there is hope. There are people who care and there are several resources available to help. Below you will find several links and phone numbers of organizations that are prepared to offer hope, help, and guidance for next steps. Please reach out to any of them if you are struggling.
There is also an online chat option available at:
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
1-866-488-7386
You can also text START to 678-678
There is also an online chat option available at:
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/
Text TALK to 741-741
1-877-565-8860
https://translifeline.org/hotline/
There is also an online chat option available at:
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/text
You did not mention those afflicted with schizophrenia. My daughter started a medication 4 years ago for her positive symptoms which can be life threatening, such as self harm, running away, hallucinations to name s few. There is a black box label on her medication which lists side affects, one being weight gain. The manufacturer had 6 week trials on participants prior to FDA approval. I read the study done in 2011. They determined this drug would cause minor weight gain. My daughter was 130 pound 5-3 after two years her weight reached 170. Nothing helped, we exercised together, eat the same food by July 2021 her weight was 223. I suggested we try a first generation drug at a very low dose due to her begging the Dr to assist her in taking her life.
Hi, Joyce, and thank you for taking the time to reply. Yes, schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that could also have been included in that list. I’m so sorry to see that your daughter struggled in this way. Thank you for being open and vulnerable with us.
Thank you for your reply. My intent was not to point out an absence of noting this illness but
rather to bring attention to the higher risk of this population being vulnerable to suicidal thoughts or behavior. The most vulnerable are the 30% who are medication resistant, meaning no drug in use to date of this writing is affective to give them a full /half full life. This is due to there bodies reaction to all drugs for SMI. My daughter has a 3-4 hour window in the morning in which we can enjoy life- then she is lost in her world of voices and anxiety. I celebrate these few hours.