Main Category: Mental Health
Also Included In: Preventive Medicine
Article Date: 21 Oct 2011 - 5:00 PDT
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A report published yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that, every 15 minutes an individual in the U.S. dies as a result of suicide. In addition it was revealed that for each individual who dies, several others are contemplating, planing or attempting suicide. In Utah, around 1 in 15 ( 6.8%) adults have serious thoughts of suicide compared to 1 in 50 (2.1%) adults in Georgia. The range for attempting suicide goes from 1 in 67 (1.5%) adults in Rhode Island to 1 in 1,000 adults in Georgia and Delaware (0.1%). This is the first report to expose state-level data regarding suicidal thoughts and behavior among adult individuals in the country.
Thomas M. Frieden, M.D. Director of CDC, explained:
"Suicide is a tragedy for individuals, families, and communities. This report highlights that we have opportunities to intervene before someone dies by suicide. We can identify risks that take action before a suicide attempt takes place.Most people are uncomfortable talking about suicide, but this is not a problem to shroud in secrecy. We need to work together to raise awareness about suicide and learn more about interventions that work to prevent this public health problem."
2008-2009 data obtained from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) was analyzed by the CDC and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Pam Hyde, Administrator at SAMHSA said:
"Suicide is a preventable tragedy. With this new data we will be able to work more effectively to reach people at risk and help keep them safe. For people in need, help is always available by calling 1-800-273-TALK/8255."
Findings from the data include: In the past year, over 2.2 million adults (1.0%) reported making suicide plans. These figures ranged from 2.8% in Rhode Island and 0.1% in Georgia.The prevalence of serious suicidal thoughts, planning or attempts were considerably higher among individuals aged between 18 to 29 years compared to those 30 years or older. In the past year, over 1 million adult individuals (0.5%) reported that they attempted suicide. These figures ranged from 1.5% in Rhode Island and 0.1% in Georgia and Delaware. Women had a considerably higher frequency of serious suicidal thoughts than men. Western states have consistently higher suicide rates, particularly states, such as Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico located in the Rocky Mountains. The current study looked at nonfatal behavior and discovered that the pattern was mixed: Individuals who lived in the West and Midwest were more likely to have suicide thoughts compared to those in the South and Northeast. Suicide plans were more likely in adults in the Midwest compared to individuals in the South. They also found that by region, suicide attempts did not vary. Linda C. Degutis, Dr.P.H., M.S.N., director of CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, explained:
"Multiple factors contribute to risk for suicidal behavior. The variations identified in this report might reflect differences in the frequency of risk factors and the social and economic makeup of the study populations. These differences can influence the types of prevention strategies used in communities and the groups included."
This investigation highlights how important it is to collect and use local information for prevention purposes. Continued observation is required in order to develop, implement, and analyze public health programs and policies that can lead to a reduction in deaths related to suicide thoughts, morbidity and behaviors. Potential prevention strategies include public education campaigns designed to focus on improving recognition of suicide risk, as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy, a more intensive strategy designed for individuals who have a higher risk, such as individuals who have attempted suicide. This therapy helps individual to change the way they think as well as helping them in the way they react to situations.
CDC's Injury Center works to prevent injuries and violence and their adverse health consequences. For further information regarding suicide prevention, please click here.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Web site.
Listing of evidence-based prevention interventions for suicide
Written by Grace Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today
MLA
8 Dec. 2011.
Please note: If no author information is provided, the source is cited instead.
posted by Chris on 21 Oct 2011 at 8:20 am
I am thankful that the CDC is looking into this issue. Having had 2 suicides in my family both with guns, its leaves behind a family bewildered, confused and with terrible guilt on how the tragedy could have been prevented. The legacy to a family is one of heart break and riddled with what ifs to the survivors. I firmly believe that if a suicidal person could truly see the legacy left behind by their actions and the great mental hard it does to their families, no matter how depressed or saddened in the moment that they feel to compulsion, they would not commit the act.
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posted by Realist on 21 Oct 2011 at 8:32 am
Sure, it is a tragedy when someone commits suicide over an some emotional trauma that might be painful in the short run, but is insignificant in the long run. However, there are plenty of others who have, through some physical or psychological condition, been condemned to a life of pain and misery from which there is no escape. Some of these people are so troubled that they can't resist tormenting and abusing those around them. I don't consider it a tragedy when someone who has exhausted all available options for returning to a healthy life decides to end life itself. If said person has a history of violence, the ending of his or her life can even be considered a good thing. What I find intolerable are those who, without any basis in fact, claim that anyone, no matter what ails them, can have a fulfilling, productive life if they just commit themselves to that end. Unless these people are mind-readers, they have no way of knowing what hope or potential another person has, or what obstacles that person faces.
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posted by Harold A. Maio on 21 Oct 2011 at 8:58 am
Most people are 1. uncomfortable talking about suicide, but this is not a problem to 2. shroud in secrecy.
I do not believe the above. 1. I believe we talk, and 2. we do so openly.
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posted by flygirl on 21 Oct 2011 at 11:39 pm
I agree with Realist. I wish I had the option of suicide, but I have children and such a choice on my part would be a tragedy for them. I've always tried to be a good person, do all the right things but my life has been mostly full of emotional pain despite therapy, despite medication. Most days, I feel too defective to live. Intellectually, I know none of the junk in my head is real, but it is killing me slowly and painfully every day. I would end my life if I didn't think doing so would harm my children.
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posted by spacebunny on 22 Oct 2011 at 11:38 am
People who are thought to be mentally ill are stigmatized, profiled, and gossipped about. Just about the whole of society is sick and suicide is a byproduct of this.
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posted by Mary on 24 Oct 2011 at 11:43 am
If you are feeling suicidal, or know someone who does, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. They have Spanish speakers and also folks who work with the military. I have used their resources before and they are really a great help.
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