Everyone Should Focus On and Contribute to Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the
U.S. On average, there are 123 suicides each day across the nation. This adds
up to nearly 45,000 deaths each year. And for every suicide, 25 other
individuals attempt to take their lives.
According to research published by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention earlier this year, an increasing number of teenagers
reported in 2017 feeling sad or hopeless, having suicidal thoughts and missing
school due to fear of violence or bullying, compared to the number sharing such
experiences in 2007. In addition, one in five students reported being bullied
in school; and one in 10 females and one in 28 males reported being physically
forced to have sex.
These statistics are alarming and they give us reason to
pause. What strikes me the most is that behind each statistic is a very real
human life, a person with a family, friends and colleagues. Whether famous like
Kate Spade, Robin Williams or Anthony Bourdain or unknown, each life matters to
us all.
Many underlying factors can lead to the development of
mental illnesses and risk of suicide. The American Foundation for Suicide
Prevention sums it up well: “It most often occurs when stressors exceed current
coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition.”
Some stressors are associated with extensive screen time –
use of apps, video games and social media. Although they offer several
benefits, they can also have negative impacts on the health of children and
adolescents. Social media may lead to cyber bullying and, certainly, in-person
bullying is a major concern for the emotional and social development of our
youth.
All of us – parents, teachers, healthcare providers –
whatever our roles may be – can and should do everything we can to maximize
children and adolescents’ protective factors, minimize risk and ensure access
to mental health and other services when they are needed.
