Straight to Statistics…..

So……I have wanted to start a blog for a while now, and full self-disclosure: I’m a bit of a data nerd.

I tend to get lost in research and numbers when I’m looking into topics I’m passionate about, and yes, I’m even that person that gets a little bit of an adrenaline rush when I’m able to make connections to the work that I do.

Recently, however, while updating power point slides for a training I will be providing in the community, I had a very different experience related to data. The numbers left me with a shocked, sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.

The startling statistics I encountered were from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey administered to Montana Youth:

23.4% of participants reported that they had SERIOUSLY considered suicide within the last 12 month period (up from 20.8% in 2016)
19.5% of participants surveyed went so far as to actually create a plan of how they would complete suicide (up from 16.6% in 2016).
9.9% surveyed had actually made suicide attempt (up from 9.6% in 2016)

To put that in perspective, nearly 1 in 5 of the students who took that survey (grades 9-12) endorsed having experienced thoughts of ending their life IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS.

As a mother and a mental health provider, these numbers shake me to my core and remind me how important it is to promote awareness of this all too common issue. For best outcomes, early identification and intervention are critical in prevention.

What are some factors that increase risk of suicide?

Mental Health Issues (Especially when not being adequately addressed. The number ONE co-occurring mental health disorder associated with deaths by suicide is Depression-though many others also increase the risk).
Substance Use Disorders- (This is the number TWO co-occurring disorder associated with deaths by suicide)
History of Trauma
Lack of social support/isolation
History of prior attempts
A sense of hopelessness
Loss of relationships
Easy access to lethal means (such as to firearms or methods to overdose)
Exposure to others who have died by suicide

If you are anything like me after hearing those statistics, right now you are asking, “What can I do”?

Intervene early on possible problems. Are you concerned that your child might be depressed or anxious? Did you catch your child drinking or using drugs? Not sure exactly to what extent they might be using? Are they experiencing a significant loss and unwilling to talk with you about it? Are you noticing erratic behaviors? Don’t wait, get them evaluated. When we wait on addressing possible problems, they can snowball out of control quickly. If you think there might be a problem, seek out support.
Know the warning signs. There are a ton of resources available. Chances are, if you are suspecting that your loved one is having these thoughts, something is not right. Trust your gut and have the conversation.
Ask directly. Don’t beat around the bush. If you believe your love one may be at risk of experiencing thoughts of suicide, be direct. “Have you thought about killing yourself?”, “have you been thinking about suicide?” Don’t ask “are you thinking about hurting yourself” and expect that this covers suicide specifically—as the thought of death for this person might be providing “relief” from emotional pain and not immediately associated with “hurting”. The important thing is to be empathetic and nonjudgmental.
Know where to get help. If your loved one has active thoughts of suicide, go to your local emergency room for further evaluation. If your loved one is unwilling to go and you are concerned about their well-being, you can contact local law enforcement to assist with a safety check.
Encourage follow through with recommendations after stabilization. It is important to follow through with follow up care after a crisis to assist in further development of coping skills to avoid a return to crisis. Working with a mental health professional to identify triggering situations/thoughts/feelings that lead up to the crisis and developing a plan to address those to avoid future crises is an important step. Support your loved one by encouraging they continue these efforts.
Stay informed and keep these statistics in mind when it comes to ballot issues. Our children as a whole are in crisis and we need to support any and all efforts that have the potential to move the dial in the right direction.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, worried about a loved one, or in need of emotional support contact the national suicide prevention help line at 1-800-273-8255.

For more information, visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/.