More and more, suicide is claiming the lives of Hoosiers.
Just this month, it was reported that a 14-year-old Lawrence Central High School student committed suicide on school grounds. According to the Marion County Coroner’s Office, she died of asphyxia due to hanging.
“We are all devastated,” Lawrence Central Principal Rocco Valadez said. “Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Experts warn that suicide is steadily increasing in Indiana. A 2011 Indiana Mortality Report indicated that there were 872 deaths due to suicide in Indiana in 2011 up from 867 deaths in 2010. The recent release of the “Suicide in Indiana” report by state health officials says suicide is a leading cause of death for Hoosiers aged 15-54. It is also the second leading cause of death among 15-34 year-olds; the third-leading cause of death for adolescents between 10-14 years-olds; and the 11th leading cause of death overall in Indiana prompting health experts to label suicide as “important public health issue.”
“It’s really hard to know why suicide rates are increasing in Indiana – it’s a complex issue. Usually there is more than one thing that triggers a suicide. What we do know is that mental illness or substance abuse is identified in 9 out of 10 people who have died by suicide,” said Indiana State Department of Health Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joan Duwve.
Depression, or persistent sadness, is a major cause of suicide stemming from issues such as a recent crisis, unemployment, relationship issues, physical or sexual abuse or bullying.
“Bullying has always existed, however social media changed things. Before, it would happen one on one with the bully at school. Now the entire school and the person’s entire social environment is involved. This also allows other bullies to join in and magnify the situation,” said Mike Dunn, director of crisis and suicide intervention for Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis.
The depressed feel singled out, alone, hopeless and believe these feelings won’t ever change. Dunn said sometimes those who are depressed don’t want to kill themselves, but more so want to make the pain stop and will use suicide as a way to end their internal anguish.
Statistics show that white males are most likely to kill themselves by suicide; however no one is exempt from committing suicide, including African-Americans.
“I have heard the myth that African-Americans don’t kill themselves and that suicide isn’t really discussed or addressed. All that does is perpetuate the stigma and isolation of people who may feel depressed. If they make it known or try to talk about it they’ll be shunned or judged as crazy or weak,” adds Dunn.
Duwve said suicide numbers for whites exceed Blacks, but when you unravel the data, the results are surprising: Black males are more likely to commit suicide at rates higher than white females.
People may remember 29-year-old Rizzoli & Isles actor Lee Thompson Young who shot himself two months ago; “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius who took his life in 2012; and Jamarcus Bell a 14-year-old who lived in Fishers and attended Hamilton Southeastern High School who committed suicide in 2010. All are Black males.
Another startling fact, African-American females are more likely than any race or gender to be hospitalized for a self-inflicted injury.
Duwve said these statistics could indicate that Black women are using less lethal means to attempt suicide such as overdosing on medications or strangulation, increasing the chances someone will find them and take them to an emergency room.
Using a firearm is the most lethal and No. 1 mechanism of suicide in Indiana and nationally.
There is substantial demographic information on suicide, yet people should note that countless suicides and suicide attempts go unreported. Also, the act of “cutting” isn’t necessarily a suicide attempt, but a warning sign of depression.
Kevin Moore, director of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction at the Indiana State Department of Health said it is the responsibility of all to take appropriate action.
The first step in decreasing suicide is knowing the warning signs which include: Appearing depressed or sad most of the time; talking or writing about death or suicide; withdrawl from family, friends or activities; feelings of hopelessness; feelings of strong anger or rage; feeling trapped; giving away prized possessions; abuse of drugs or alcohol or performing poorly in school or at work.
Parents should note that typical teen behavior includes moodiness or feelings of hopelessness, which mirrors signs of depression. Duwve said if someone is truly concerned, they should ask questions such as “do you go to sleep and hope you don’t wake up,” “when you feel sad, have you ever had thoughts of harming or killing yourself?” or bluntly asking “do you think about killing yourself?”
“Don’t say, ‘are you thinking of hurting yourself’ because that doesn’t mean suicide. To some people it can mean self-mutilation. Be clear in your questions,” said Dunn. “Also, asking these questions won’t plant a seed of suicide. People who have had suicidal thoughts have been having them for a long time.”
Duwve adds that oftentimes, people who have exhibited signs of suicide and have chosen how they are going to take their life will begin to act happy or seem as if they are at peace. This is because they believe “it will soon all be over.” She warns that just because someone suddenly seems happy or content one day does not mean they aren’t at risk.
People who believe a family member, friend or coworker may be contemplating suicide should make sure they listen without judging, let the person know he or she is not alone and offer to help find a doctor or counselor or call a hotline together.
Parents can also equip their children with solid coping skills and be open to dialogue with their children to help minimize risks of suicide. Experts maintain that ending bullying at school can significantly decrease suicide.
“Suicide deaths leave a legacy of unimaginable hurt and guilt in families and communities,” said Duwve. “Information is available to learn more about the warning signs of suicide and how we can all work to prevent it.”
If you or someone you know exhibits suicide warning signs, immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433), or 911. For more information on the Suicide in Indiana or the Indiana Mortality Report, visit StateHealth.in.gov. For Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis, call (317) 251-7575 or visit MHAIndy.net. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention can be reached at AFSP.org.
Get Help
Every Hoosier in Central Indiana, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to a community mental health center that can help with thoughts of suicide. Here are a few locations.
– Midtown Community Mental Health
(317) 630-7791
Wishard.edu
– Aspire Indiana
(877) 574-1254
aspireindiana.org
– Gallahue Mental Health Services
(317) 621-5700
ecommunity.com
– Adult and Child Mental Health Center
(877) 882-5122
adultandchild.com
– Cummins Behavioral Health Systems
(888) 244-6083
cumminsbhs.com
