Ethics & Religion
Column #2,042
Sept. 31, 2020
Suicide Rate Rising
By Mike McManus
America's suicide rate is rising - particularly among military
veterans. Some 48,344 people killed themselves in 2018 - up from 42,773
in 2014. And the rate increased 24% between 1999 and 2014.
By contrast, the global suicide rate has declined by nearly a third
since 1990!
America's deaths from despair are responsible for a three year decline
in U.S. life expectancy - the first such drop since 1915-1918 during the
flu epidemic and World War I.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. An
average of 123 people take their own lives daily.
A major reason for America's rise in suicides is a 20% jump this year
among military veterans. More than 45,000 veterans and active duty
service members have killed themselves in the past six years. That is
more than 20 deaths a day. What's surprising is that suicide took more
military lives than those who died in combat in Afghanistan and Iran! In
2016 veterans were one and a half times more likely to kill themselves
than people who have not served in the military.
The suicide rate varies enormously by state. New Mexico and Wyoming's
rate is more than triple that of New Jersey or Massachusetts A key
variable is whether the person had a gun. Three-fourths of the deaths in
Wyoming were by a firearm, while only 20% of suicides in Massachusetts
were by gun.
If you know someone is depressed and might be considering suicide, I
suggest you get any gun out of their home.
Three-fourths of suicides are by males. One reason is that they are more
likely to have guns than women.
While suicide is the 7th leading cause of death for males in America, it
is the second leading cause for young people aged 15-34, and the third
major reason for deaths of kids who are only aged 10-14! However, the
rate of suicide is highest among middle-aged white men.
Suicide is associated with tough economic conditions, such as America's
big recession this past year. Men who took pride in supporting their
families are ashamed that they are no longer doing so. Even those who
find work, may only be able to earn a minimum wage of under $8 an hour.
Men over 65 are at greatest risk of suicide, while those aged 40-64 have
a similarly high rate.
What can be done to reverse these trends? I have two initial
suggestions. First, let's set a national goal to slash America's 45,000
annual suicides in half! Second, let's elect a Democratic president and
Senate who can lift the minimum wage to $15 per hour!
More importantly, if you know someone who seems depressed, who appears
to be abusing alcohol or drugs, take the person to dinner and ask some
tough questions: Are you depressed? If so, why? Have you considered
taking your own life? Listen and express sympathy, and affirm their
importance to you and others. Assure him or her that you will keep the
matter confidential, and will pray for them.
Ask how you can help. Offer to sit with them anytime they are lonely.
Invite them over to your home "for the best Netflix binge." In a quiet
moment, ask "How much are you drinking or using drugs to excess?"
Let them open up at their own pace. Avoid giving advice and simply be a
listening ear, a warm friend. Encourage them to reach out for
professional help. Suggest that they text 741741 if they would like
professional help. Or suggest that they call the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline at 800 273-8255.
Call them regularly to ask how they are doing. If they are feeling
hopeless, ask what's behind that feeling? Listen without judgment and
with compassion and empathy. Help your friend connect to a support
system - a mental health professional. Offer to sit down with and write
out a support system plan or find resources for them.
Once you know your friend or loved one has connected to resources and is
not in crisis, you will feel a sense of relief that they are safe.
Check in with your friend or loved one regularly.
You can be a life saver!
_________________________
Copyright (c) 2020 Michael J. McManus, a syndicated columnist and past president of Marriage Savers. To read past columns, go to
www.ethicsandreligion.com. Hit
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