Suicide is a serious public health problem that devastates individuals, families, and communities. It is the 11th leading cause of death among Americans and the third leading cause of death among people ages 10-24, but anyone can complete suicide. Completed suicides are only part of the problem. More people are hospitalized or treated and released as a result of suicide attempts than are fatally injured. While suicide is often viewed as a response to a single stressful event, it is a far more complicated issue. Suicide results from complex interactions between biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.
The typical time of onset of depression is adolescence, although people of all ages are susceptible, including the elderly and children. According to the Association of Suicidology, “although rates vary somewhat by geographical location, within a typical high school classroom, it is likely that three students (one boy and two girls) have made a suicide attempt in the past year.”
About 15 percent of people older than 65 experience depression often related to medical issues or certain medications. According to experts, depression not only makes people feel hopeless; it makes them physically more ill and increases their likelihood of death. Perhaps only 10 percent of senior citizens with depression seek and receive treatment.
One of the myths about depression is that children are too young to experience it. That’s a dangerous misunderstanding. In 2003, suicide ranked as the third leading cause of death among people ages 15-24, trailing accidents and homicides. Of the more than 31,000 suicides in 2003, about 4,000 were completed by people 15-24. In the 10-14 age group, 244 children committed suicide. For each suicide among young people, experts say that 100-200 attempts are made, most commonly by ingesting pills.
Suicide evokes difficult and uncomfortable reactions in most people. Too often, victims are blamed and surviving friends and family members are stigmatized. Consequently, suicide is shrouded in secrecy.
By bringing suicide awareness programs, newspaper articles, public service announcements and publications to the fore front of our community, people will learn to recognize the warning signs. Being educated about suicide may just save a family member or friends’ life.
The Bintner family appreciates your support in honoring the memory of their loved ones who they lost to suicide. With your help, we can make a difference in our community to make sure that we put an end to suicide.