Parkland mental health providers shine spotlight on rising rates of suicide
National Suicide Awareness Week is Sept. 8-14
DALLAS – From pre-teens to seniors, suicide rates are rising in the U.S. The latest data shows an alarming 33% rise in the rate of death by suicide between 1999 and 2017. In June the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that America’s suicide rates are at the highest level since World War II, up from 10.5 to 14.0 per 100,000 people.
“The trend is very concerning and should be a red flag for everyone – parents, families, healthcare providers, mental health professionals, educators, community and church leaders and policy makers,” said Rebecca Corona, PhD, lead psychologist at Parkland Health & Hospital System. “It’s vital that we raise the level of awareness about the risk of suicide and educate people because suicide is preventable”
During National Suicide Awareness Week Sept, 8 – 14, mental health providers at Parkland will host a booth outside the cafeteria at Parkland Memorial Hospital providing information about suicide risk and prevention for Parkland staff, patients and visitors. The entire month of September is designated as National Suicide Awareness Month, a time to talk openly about this subject that is too often kept in the shadows.
Here are some concerning facts about suicide provided by the CDC and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
• 53% increase in suicides among girls and women between 1999 and 2017, from 4 to 6.1 per 100,000
• 26% increase in suicides among boys and men between 1999 and 2017, from 17.8 to 22.4 per 100,000
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 34, and 4th leading cause among people ages 35 to 54
• In Texas, the suicide rate increased by almost 19% from 1999 to 2016. On average, one person dies by suicide every 2 hours in Texas; more than twice as many people died by suicide in Texas in 2017 than in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents; suicide is the 2ndleading cause of death in Texas for ages 15-34
Adults between the ages of 45 and 54 are at highest risk of taking their own lives, followed by elderly people 85 and older. But according to a study published in JAMA, a significant increase in suicide rates occurred among 15- to 24-year-olds between 2000 and 2017.
The number one question people ask about those who attempt suicide, experts say, is ‘why?’ “The reasons that people attempt suicide are more understandable than people may think,” Dr. Corona stated. “Although psychosis and substance abuse often play a role, severe depression is a leading cause of suicide. But many people are not aware that depression, like psychosis and substance abuse, is almost always treatable.”
“Knowing the symptoms of suicide risk and taking steps to talk to a person, regardless of their age, about whether they are having thoughts of suicide can literally save someone’s life,” said Kimberly Roaten, PhD, Director of Quality for Safety, Education and Implementation, Department of Psychiatry at Parkland and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
“A suicide attempt is a cry for help that can have disastrous consequences, but should be a sign for family and friends to take action,” Dr. Roaten stated. “A teenage girl may ingest a bottle of pills because she feels lonely or bullied, with tragic results. Whether it’s a senior citizen who feels isolated or a school-age victim of cyber-bullying, we can watch for warning signs and intervene before it’s too late.”
In 2015, Parkland became the first health system in the nation to administer a universal suicide screening program to identify persons at risk and help save lives through early intervention. The program screens not only adults but also youth, ages 10 to 17, regardless of their reason for seeking care. Since initiating the program, more than 2 million suicide risk screenings have been completed with patients in Parkland’s Emergency Department, Urgent Care Center, inpatient units and Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC) health centers.
Experts say everyone should be aware of potential suicide warning signs:
• Feeling like a burden
• Being isolated
• Increased anxiety
• Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Increased substance or alcohol use
• Looking for a way to access lethal means such as a firearm
• Increased anger or rage
• Extreme mood swings
• Expressing hopelessness
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Talking or posting about wanting to die
• Making plans for suicide
If you are worried about someone, speak up, Dr. Roaten advised. “Let them know you’re concerned. Ask if they’ve thought about getting help and reassure them that seeking help is a sign of strength. Let them know they’re not alone, that you’re there for them. Evidence shows that asking someone if they are thinking of harming themselves does not lead to increased risk of suicide. In fact, most people feel grateful that someone has expressed concern.”
“Research shows that suicidal crises tend to be brief. When suicidal behaviors are detected early, lives can be saved. There are many resources, from suicide crisis hotlines to mental health providers at Parkland and throughout the community who stand ready to help,” Dr. Roaten said.
Suicide crisis lines include:
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Suicide prevention telephone hotline funded by the U.S. government. Provides free, 24-hour assistance. 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line – Free 24/7 support – Text “HOME” to 741741
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline – Free, confidential 24/7 helpline information service for substance abuse and mental health treatment referral. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas 24/7 crisis line. 214-828-1000
For more information about Parkland, visit www.parklandhospital.com
