"Stop Suicide Dead in its Tracks"
Brandon Magalassi Memorial Scholarship Foundation
Mika Hargis
Rejoice Christian School
March 11, 2015
In our world today, suicide is an all-too apparent threat. There is one death by suicide every forty seconds (SAVE 2). Victims of depression, anxiety, or any number of mental illnesses may experience suicidal thoughts or attempt to harm themselves. But often, it is too late that we hear of their distress.
Suicide rates are very high. Worldwide, over 800,000 people die by suicide every year (SAVE 2). Suicide rates are four times higher in males than in females, but females are more likely to have had suicidal or self-harmful thoughts (SAVE 1). More people die by suicide than by homicide (Suicide.org 3).
Suicidal behavior is a cry for help. Four out of five teenage suicide survivors gave clear warning signs before making any attempt on their life (Jason Foundation 1). People that battle depression and struggle with thoughts of suicide do not necessarily want to die; they want to be relieved of their pain, but see no other way out. People are not finding the help and support that they need. A common misconception is that suicidal people do not want help, or that they are unwilling to seek help. This is not true. Most victims of suicide seek help in the six months prior to their deaths (HelpGuide 1). People are looking for it; victims of depression and anxiety need our help. What can we do?
The first step to this grant would be to raise awareness that there is help available for people who need it. Victims of depression often feel that no one cares if they take their lives. Sadly, they are mistaken, but people find it difficult to address unusual problems in behavior of their loved ones, or don't know the warning signs of suicide. It is extremely important for the public to know the 'red flags' of suicidal thoughts or actions. Detecting these could save a life. The simple task of educating the public on how to talk to a depressed or suicidal person can make a huge impact on them. Through awareness programs, the risks of suicide would be widely known, and people could be able to spot behavior and attitude changes in the at-risk people around them. Increasing the advertisement of suicide hotlines, and spreading the knowledge of where someone could find a counselor trained for dealing with victims of depression and anxiety would enable people to know where to turn in a crisis.
The second step would include instituting trained professionals where they are needed most: in schools and colleges, and among the elderly. The sad truth is that these areas are probably the most accessible to mental health professionals, and yet there is a shortage of people to occupy those roles in schools, colleges, or assisted living homes. Middle and High school counselors that identify with what kids are going through are instrumental in catching and resolving depression and anxiety issues before they develop into worse symptoms. A school counselor would be able to explain to adolescents what to do when they experience self-harmful thoughts, and connect them with doctors if it is needed.
In universities, the role of a counselor would be more complex. The professional would be one that was readily available, but also one that was successful at reaching out and identifying young adults that need help, but maybe don't know how to ask for it. The symptoms of depression weigh heavily on victims, and combined with the pressure and atmosphere of the college experience, help is needed more than ever to comfort those in pain and to ensure the safety of themselves and those around them.
Suicide among the elderly is a growing problem. In the late stages of life, victims of suicidal thoughts seem to dwell on the hopelessness of their condition. In the elderly, it is more common to have tendencies towards suicide in the divorced or widowed (SAVE 2). Professionals are needed to keep them safe and watch carefully that they do not have access to harmful objects or an overdose of medicine. In the elderly, there is one suicide for every four suicide attempts; a much higher percentage than the one in twenty-five attempts that is the statistic for younger people (SAVE 1). To be good listeners to elderly people, professionals must be really hearing what the person has to say, and having the right words to reply and reassure in response.
The third and final step in the grant would be implementing community support. This step utilizes both time, awareness, and participation. It is a slow process to change a community, but once it is begun, it can be unstoppable. In the Tulsa-Owasso area, news of programs or events happening that uplift and support those struggling with thoughts of suicide and depression are not widely-known or well advertised. A good start would be to involve the community, instead of simply trying to re-educate it with propaganda and facts. It is important to approach the citizens on their level when trying to influence a community. Programs like a district-wide counselor program, local area outreach, and church involvement would let people know that there is help for them, and places to find it. Events such as walks or fun-runs to help raise awareness and money for depression research would educate the people on the facts of suicide, and show victims that the community truly cares about its members. Through community involvement in schools, churches, clubs, and other areas of local activity, strength and awareness would grow between the citizens. The goal to strive for would be a community defined by love and support, reaching out to care for those in hurt and need. Such an environment would surely encourage people to be open about their depression, letting them know that it is healthy to share their feelings of anger and anxiety, and be shown help and assistance.
The only way to stop suicide is by being proactive. Being intentional with our words and actions, reaching out to those who seem to need help, speaking up when concerned, and being open about a person's symptoms and behaviors. We cannot go back and change our actions. We must change our actions now. The statistics need to stop. Our generation can be the one to finally end suicide, but we must open our eyes and see the steps we must take. There can be no partial participation, no sideline prevention. We must step up if we want to end suicide for good.
CITATIONS
1. "Save. Suicide Awareness Voices of Education." SAVE. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.
2. "Suicide.org." : Suicide Prevention, Suicide Awareness, Suicide Support. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.
3. "Home - The Jason Foundation." The Jason Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.