By: Ernest Gurulé
By the time this day ends, across the nation there will be approximately 132 men, women and young people whose lives will have ended by suicide. Over the course of the year, that will add up to nearly 50,000 victims. But another sobering statistic is that in a twelve month period, more than 1.2 million Americans will attempt but fail to take their own lives.
Researchers say that more than half of all suicides in the country are linked to depression, a condition affecting nearly five to eight percent of the population —approximately 25 million people— age 18 and above, making suicide the twelfth leading cause of death in the U.S. Also, says the American Federation for the Prevention of Suicide, neither wealth nor social standing have any impact on this end of life act.
This is underlined by the recent suicide death of Naomi Judd, one half of the country singing duo, The Judds. Ms. Judd took her own life on April 30th, one day before she and her daughter, Winona Judd, were to be inducted into the Country Western Music Hall of Fame.
In discussing her mother’s death, actor Ashley Judd said her mother battled depression for much of her life. “When we’re talking about mental illness,” Judd told Good Morning America, “it’s very important, and to be clear and to make the distinction between our loved one and the disease.” Her mother and sister had performed only weeks before the suicide. “Our mother just couldn’t hang on…that is the level of catastrophe of what was going on inside of her.” The matriarch Judd had long been open about her struggles with depression and the feeling that the only time she really felt like her life had value is when she was on stage performing.
Famous men and women who have succumbed to suicide include comedian Robin Williams, food critic and personality Anthony Bourdain, iconic author Ernest Hemingway, writer, critic and satirist Dorothy Parker and writer, poet Sylvia Plath. Former Denver Bronco Shane Dronett and Hall of Fame and San Diego icon Junior Seau also took their own lives. None was shielded from their fate by riches nor fame. But the vast majority of suicide deaths are all but statistically unknown to anyone beyond friends and family.
While depression has a disproportionate impact in suicide, it is also treatable, said Stephanie Thomassen, Denver Chair of NFSP’s Out of the Dark Community Walk. “Mental health should be a top priority alongside taking care of their physical health, as well,” she said. But among Latinos, CDC data state, mental health treatment for depression is often neglected.
Nationally, suicide is the seventh leading cause of death among Latinos. Hispanic men are four times more likely to take their own lives as Hispanic women. Perhaps, more alarming, is that suicide is the second leading cause of death among Latinos ages 15-34 and that suicide attempts for Hispanic girls, grades 9-12, is 30 percent higher than for non-Hispanic White girls in the same age group. The data come from a 2019 study.
In analyzing suicide deaths, the CDC also says that Latinos were 50 percent less likely to have received mental health treatment compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. Poverty levels, said the CDC, were also a factor contributing to psychological stress levels among Latinos.
Depression is a mental health condition that affects an estimated 40 million Americans. While it is a serious health condition, it is also treatable. Its roots can often be traced back to other factors, said Thomassen, including “a combination of life stresses and known risk factors.” Many of the factors connected to suicide have their beginnings in “childhood and adult trauma, substance use, or even chronic physical pain.”
While mental health treatment, for a number of reasons, is not always a choice for individuals living with depression, there are signs to look for if you suspect someone you know who may be dealing with it. “It’s best to reach out to them,” said Thomassen. “See what you can do for them.” That may be something as simple as talking with them, she said.
There are a number of indications that a person may be suffering from a depression that has passed simple ‘blues.’ Among them are severe sadness, mood swings, hopelessness, sleep problems, changes in personality, dangerous or self-harmful behavior or recent trauma or life crisis.
Curiously, suicides actually decreased over the period of the pandemic. Mental health professionals attribute it to an increased focus on mental health and availability of counselling. But since the stabilization of the virus, deaths by suicide have risen again to pre-pandemic levels.
Still, a suicide death also includes collateral damage. Loved ones and friends are often left with a guilt that they didn’t do enough, failed when they should have acted or simply fell short in recognizing the red flags.
“You can break free and not become a victim,” said Thomassen, “by taking care of your own mental health.” If you find yourself getting caught in this whirlpool, talk to someone. “It takes time and work putting love back into yourself…with time and resources we can learn to navigate our life the best way we can.”
If you suspect a friend or loved one may be considering or displaying self-harming behavior, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day. It can be reached at 800.273.8255. There is also a Crisis Textline that can be reached by texting ‘TALK’ at 741741. Beginning July 16th, 2022, said Thomassen, “anyone in need can call 988 which will connect to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.”
