Of Cabbages & Kings: National Suicide Prevention Week

And today I wanted to talk about a movement happening this week. It is National Suicide Prevention Week, from Sept. 5-11. World Suicide Prevention Day is on September 10.

There’s often a lot of negative stigma that surrounds talking about suicide or mental health. But during September, National Suicide Prevention Week sparks conversations about mental health and suicide prevention all across the country.

I found some statistics from the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention that got me really thinking about this issue:

– Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in Utah and the 10th leading cause of death in U.S.

– Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 15-44.

– Nine times as many people die by suicide in Utah annually than by homicide.

– For every suicide there are 25 suicide attempts.

– Four men for every woman dies by suicide.

– Average number of death by suicide in Utah was significantly higher than the national average in 2014. National average in 2014 was 12.93, Utah average in the same year was 20.57.

This is a really significant issue, especially after the Utah State University Student Association declared Utah State University in a mental health crisis.  Suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self-harm are symptoms that mental health can cause.

“There’s no single cause for suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors exceed current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition,” according to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention website. “Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, but it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide.”

It’s important to note that people who actively manage their mental health conditions lead fulfilling lives. Remember: Suicide is preventable. The conversations may be hard, but your friends and family are worth the tough moments. Ask the questions. Let them know you want them to keep living. 

Suicide Warning Signs from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

Talk: if person talks about killing themselves or having no reason to live, being a burden, feeling trapped or experiencing unbearable pain.
Behavior: specific behavior changes include increased drug or alcohol use, acting recklessly, withdrawing from activities and isolating from family and friends, giving away prized possessions, calling or visiting people to say goodbye.
Mood: people considering suicide often display moods like depression, loss of interest, rage, irritability, humiliation or anxiety.

If there is an emergency, or if you are worried that you or someone you know may be at risk for suicide, please call 911 to contact your local authorities or contact a mental health professional. You can also call and talk to someone at a 24-hour help line 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

— Ashley Stilson is a senior majoring in print journalism. She is a proud Gryffindor, loves ice cream more than oxygen and hopes someday to visit the International Space Station.