September 2024: Health Insights Newsletter

Suicide Prevention

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death across all ages in the United States and the 2nd leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 10 and 34.

Who Is at Risk?

People of all ages can attempt suicide, but some groups are at higher risk than others. Men are more likely than women to die from suicide, but women are more likely than men to attempt suicide. Several factors can also contribute to the risk of suicide, such as:

Previous suicide attempt(s)
History of depression, an eating disorder or other mental illness
Alcohol or drug abuse
Family history of suicide, violence or abuse
Physical illness
Relational, social, work or financial loss
Feelings of hopelessness
Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
Feeling alone

Warning Signs

When a person is thinking about suicide, they will likely display indications, which may include:

Threats, talk, or writing of suicide or hurting oneself
Withdrawal from family and friends
Sudden, excessive, and/or uncontrolled rage
Taking unnecessary risks or exhibiting self-destructive behavior
Increased alcohol and/or drug use
Dramatic mood swings

Prevention

If someone you know is struggling with suicide, start a conversation regarding their feelings. Call, text, or chat the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 988 (988lifeline.org/) for help. Do not leave them alone, and if they refuse professional help, see that a trusted person stays with them.

Suicide Prevention Resources

The topic of suicide can be overwhelming, especially when it concerns a friend or family member. These resources are available to help you and your loved ones through a difficult time.

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988lifeline.org):

24/7 crisis hotline available through call, text or chat 988. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide or is in crisis, 988 is available to help for free.

Crisis Text Line (www.crisistextline.org):

Text TALK to 741-741. 24/7, high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention.

Veterans Crisis Line (www.veteranscrisisline.net):

Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255. 24/7 confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones.

SAMHSA Helpline (www.samhsa.gov/find-help):

Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357), for free and confidential treatment referral and information on mental and substance use disorders, prevention and recovery.

RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline (hotline.rainn.org/online):

Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online. RAINN provides trained sexual assault hotline staff 24/7, in English and Spanish, to support communities with crisis intervention

The Trevor Project (www.thetrevorproject.org):

Call 1-866-488-7386, text 678-678 or chat online. Provides information and support to the LGBTQ+ community 24/7.

– Mental Health Moment –
The Power of Sleep

Poor sleep habits can affect your physical and mental health. In fact, lack of sleep can contribute to various mental health challenges including anxiety and depression. According to the Institute of Medicine, 30 million Americans suffer from insomnia. This means many of us are not getting enough sleep, or quality sleep, at night.

It is recommended that adults get at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night. A study published in Sleep Medicine reported that sleep disturbances were linked to higher levels of psychological distress, like feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Poor sleep can negatively affect a person’s ability to respond to stressors. Anxiety and depression are commonly linked to a lack of sleep, both of which can cause significant impairment in daily life. Conversely, quality sleep can sharpen a person’s cognitive skills–including attention, learning, and memory. It goes without saying that we just feel better after a good night’s sleep.