Kari Hart, Health Editor
Unfortunately, suicide is more common than many people may think. According to Suicide.org, a non-profit suicide prevention, awareness and support organization, more than 30,000 people commit suicide each year in the U.S., and in some states, the numbers are rising.
According to health officials, there has been a spike in the number of suicides in the Chicago area this year.
As of October, in DuPage, Kane and Lake counties, the number of suicides is approaching, and in some cases has surpassed numbers recorded for 2009. In Cook County, there have been 305 suicides recorded as of September 2010 compared to 415 recorded for both 2008 and 2009. In Will County, the number of suicides so far this year is 31, compared to 39 for all of last year.
Feelings of hopelessness and abusing drugs or alcohol are amongst the warnings in individuals contemplating suicide. Photo courtesy of depressioncell.com
These statistics, provided by each county’s coroner or medical examiner, are alarming health officials and communities throughout the Chicago area. Some think that the reason for the rise is due to the repressed economy, although many agree that it may be too soon to tell. Patrick O’Neil, coroner of Will County, said that from his experience, most suicides are because of financial difficulties or relationship problems.
Other health officials have noticed the recent cluster of student suicides and are now becoming concerned about the possibility of a new trend.
A 2010 study done by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that adults ages 18 to 25 were far more likely to have considered suicide in the last year than other age groups.
According to Suicide.org, suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for college students. College can be extremely stressful causing emotional difficulties, which can cause a clinical depression and ultimately, suicide.
Untreated depression is the number one cause of student suicides. Depression can be genetically inherited or it can be caused by a negative life consequence, like a break-up of a relationship or the loss of a loved one.
Suicide.org states that it is a serious mistake if students believe they can manage depression on their own. Depression is an illness like any other and cannot be efficiently treated without professional help. Plus, the vast majority of people treated for their depression get better. Without treatment, depression can worsen and can quickly cause thoughts of suicide.
In response to the rising suicide numbers in the Chicago area, and across the country, SAMHSA has recently launched the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. The public health campaign, which aims to help people recognize suicide warning signs, is promoting the national suicide prevention line, 800-273-TALK, plus new community crisis clinics across the U.S.
If you, or someone you know, is exhibiting several of the suicide warning signs for more than two weeks, immediate action is required. Lewis’ Counseling Services has a list of mental health crisis lines, available on their web page, or students can call Campus Security at (815) 836-5911.
Suicide warning signs:
• Appearing depressed or sad most of the time
• Talking or writing about death or suicide
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling helpless
• Feeling strong anger or rage
• Feeling trapped — like there is no way out of a situation
• Experiencing dramatic mood changes
• Abusing drugs or alcohol
• Exhibiting a change in personality
• Acting impulsively
• Losing interest in most activities
• Experiencing a change in sleeping habits
• Experiencing a change in eating habits
• Losing interest in most activities
• Performing poorly at work or in school
• Giving away prized possessions
• Writing a will
• Feeling excessive guilt or shame
• Acting recklessly
Courtesy of Suicide.org
Kari Hart
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