National Suicide Prevention Week - A call to join hands

LIFESTYLE National Suicide Prevention week A call to join hands

The growing rate of suicide in the United States is worrisome, to say the least. According to the CDC, there has been a 25% rise in the suicide rates nationwide between 1999 and 2017. Interestingly, this statistic was released in what is arguably the most popular suicide week in recent memory. Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain’s deaths were just a few days apart and the suicide prevention hotline reported a 25% spike in calls during that week. These events and the other 44,000 suicide deaths that occur yearly highlight the already common knowledge that there is a mental health crisis in the country.

The National Suicide Prevention Week is held annually to create awareness about suicide and engage health professionals as well as the general public. Since 2005, this week has been celebrated from the Sunday to Saturday that covers the Suicide Prevention Day (September 10).

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is responsible for selecting themes for the event and ‘The Power of Connections’ served as the theme for the 2018 NSPW. Although the week has come and gone, conversations surrounding suicide and mental health should be all year round.

What’s responsible for the rising rates?

The rising suicide rates cannot be attributed to a single factor. Financial difficulties, relationship issues, and an increased sense of isolations appear to be the factors that are most frequently implicated. However, it is difficult to make broad statements about suicide. Experts have also pointed at an inadequate funding for mental health prevention and research.

The opioid crisis is also thought to be responsible for an increase in suicide rates. About 90% of all suicide victims have a history of mental health disorder or addiction.

Firearms is another public issue that has contributed to a rise in suicide rates. Although a majority of discussions surrounding gun control would be centered on horrific, pointless shootings, statistics show that an overwhelming number of deaths that occur as a result of firearms are suicides. a firearm have more than 95% chance of succeeding. The less than 15% chance of individuals that overdose on prescription drugs pale in comparison.

What can be done?

The approach to suicide prevention has to be multi-faceted, just like the causes of suicide.

Since 2005, all the themes for the National Suicide Prevention Week have bothered around the need for participation.Professionals, policy makers, the general public, and all stakeholders must join hands if we are to have any chance at bringing an end to this menace. Here are a few solutions that have been highlighted as viable prevention strategies. Encouraging conversations.

One of the easiest ways to defeat this monster is talking about it. Through awareness and advocacy, we can demystify suicide such that it becomes less attractive to people. Suicide doesn’t bring a lasting solution to pain, it only transfers the pain to others. And often, the pain becomes more intense.

More funding

Mental health institutions and research facilities have complained of a dearth of funding.

Perhaps, it’s high time we started paying attention to their cries. if we are serious about curbing the suicide rates, we need to equip the facilities that are designed to help people with mental health challenges. Healthcare providers should also be trained to id. reckless behavior, inexplicable mood swings or any other behavior that can be identified as a potential warning sign. Identifying these warning signs provide a chance to intervene quickly before the situation becomes irreversible.

Suicide prevention is a collective responsibility. It starts with every random act of kindness and every display of empathy.

Teaching people how to cope

The difference between those that commit suicide and those that decide to forge on is often an ability to cope. If we can teach people how to cope with intense emotions, we’d be more successful at preventing suicides. something everyone would learn naturally. From the available evidence, this assumption is wrong. We may need to start teaching how to cope, just like we teach how to read and write.

Teaching people to learn the warning signs

Statistics show that about 4 out of every 5 youths that attempts suicide showed a warning sign.

Parents, guardians, teachers, primary health care providers, and all other stakeholders need to be able to identify these warning signs. You never know what the next person is going through and the least you can do is be the smile that brightens someone’s day. The little efforts count just as much as the massive fundings and better policies.