It’s almost
impossible for me to imagine but suicide is the 10th leading cause
of death overall in the United States. When
you add to that statement this point from the National Institute of Mental
Health: “Suicide was the second leading
cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and the fourth
leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 54”; the stats
on this are staggering to say the least.
In 2016 almost 45,000 suicides were reported. Add to this figure the sad reality that for
every suicide committed approximately 25 attempts are made.
Here are some
additional facts according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
The annual age-adjusted suicide rate is 13.42 per 100,000
individuals.
Men die by suicide 3.53x more often than women.
On average, there are 123 suicides per day.
White males accounted for 7 of 10 suicides in 2016.
Firearms account for 51% of all suicides in 2016.
The rate of suicide is highest in middle age — white men
in particular.
I was really saddened
to see that for the State of Colorado (for 2016) the rate per 100,000
individuals was 20.47: approximately 7 more individuals than the nation’s annual
rate!
What is the cause of
these horrific figures? People may consider suicide when they
are hopeless and can't see any other solution to their problems. Often it's
related to serious depression, alcohol or substance abuse, or a major stressful event in their life.
Is there any help for such
individuals? Therapy and medicines can
help most people who have suicidal thoughts. Treating mental illnesses and
substance abuse can reduce the risk of suicide. If someone talks to you about suicide, you
should take it seriously. Urge them to get help from their doctor or the
emergency room, or call the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). It is available 24/7.
We are only human and can only help in a
limited way, but we can look forward to the time mentioned in Isaiah 33:24 “And
no resident will say: “I am sick.””
Until that time let us all continue to pray for one another and help as
our circumstances permit.
QUOTE TO CONSIDER
THOUGHTFUL GEM
"Enjoy your life now,
and look forward to enjoying it forever."
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