Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 30, Number 9, 1 September 2013 — Suicide prevention and awareness [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Suicide prevention and awareness

Last month I had the opportunity along with other members of the Moloka'i eommunity and clergy to be a part of a Suicide Prevention Workshop on Moloka'i. Our youth in our eomniunity have been experiencing overwhelming challenges in life, whieh has tragically resulted in either self-harm or suicide. Those that participated in the workshop received important infonna-

tion related to suicide from heahh professionals and experts. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, suicide is a major, preventable public heahh problem. In 2007, h was the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 34,598 deaths. The overall rate was 11.3 suicide deaths per 100,000 people. An estimated 11 attempted suicides occur per every suicide death. According to the Hawai'i State Department of Heahh Injury Prevention and Control Program, suicide is a significant problem in Hawai'i. It is the single leading cause of fatal injuries among Hawai'i residents, accounting for one-fifth of the total number of injured people. There were 655 suicides among state residents over the five-year period from 2005-2009, or an average of one suicide every three days. In 2010 there were 195 suicides, increasing the state average to one suicide every two days. From 2006 to 2010, there were 51 suicides among children aged 10 to 19 years, making suicide the second leading cause of death for this age group, after motor vehicle crashes. One in five teenagers has seriously considered suicide in the past year. Hawai'i's youth attempt suicide at twice the national average. For every child who dies from suicide in Hawai'i, there are an estimated five who are hospitalized, and 12 others who are treated in emergency departments for nonfatal self-infhcted injuries eaeh year. Suicidal behavior is complex. Some risk factors vary with age, gender or ethnic group and may occur in combi-

nahon or change over thne. It's important to remember that suicide devastates our whole community. It touches everyone, all ages and backgrounds, all racial and ethnic groups, in all parts of the country. And the emotional toll on those left behind endures long after the event. On its website, the Nahonal Institutes of Mental Heahh hsts warning signs of suicide and what to do if you suspect someone is suicidal:

Warning signs of suicide • Talking about wanting to die • Looking for a way to kill oneself •Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain • Talking about being a being a burden to others •Increasing the use of aleohol or drugs • Acting anxious, agitated or reckless • Sleeping too mueh or too httle • Withdrawing or feeling isolated • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge • Displaying extreme mood swings What to do If someone you know exhibits waming signs of suicide: • Do NOT leave the person alone • Remove any fireanns, aleohol, dmgs, sharp objects, ropes/extension cords/ belts or other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt • The Hawai'i Department of Health's ACCESS Line provides a team of trained and experienced professionals 24 hours a day to help to you or a family member in times of mental heahh crisis. On O'ahu, eall 8323100. On the Neighbor Islands, eall toll-free at 1-800-753-6879. •The Nahonal Suicide Prevention Lifeline at l-800-273-TALK (8255) is a free, 24-hour hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emohonal distress. The pain, hopelessness and helplessness that make you consider suicide are temporary.Don'tactonsuicidalthoughts. Instead, get help. There is hope. ■

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