HOT SPRINGS – Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. These thoughts, which can often create actions, have a ripple effect throughout a family and community.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), suicide rates are highest for adults ages 85+ years (23.02 per 100,000) and next highest for those 75 to 84 years (20.26 per 100,000) with the suicide rate of adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 being 13.62 per 100,000.
According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14, the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24 and, now updated, the 11th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
Veterans have a 72% higher risk of suicide than those who haven’t served. This exceeds the national average with a documented 22 taking their life each day with a possible much larger number who have slipped through the cracks.
The VA National Suicide Prevention Report has shown a rise in suicide deaths. Once a horror that was statistically recorded affecting those service members in their late 40s and early 50s, there is now a rising number of service members committing suicide between the ages of 18 and 34.
The report, however, mentioned that many of the top causes of death among younger veterans are preventable with access to available benefits, proper balance of care, compassion and community involvement.
Suicide Awareness Month was created to help destigmatize, create awareness and access outreach support for those who need it.
AFSP hopes to reach out to communities with multiple videos easily accessed at ASFP.org to help with everything from parent child communication, finding support for a loved one at risk, how to talk with someone who may be struggling and more.
It is important to know that when you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org, to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Locally, there are many avenues for guidance, help and care.
“The American Legion will help guide anyone who needs help,” said Dick Daily, American Legion Rider Director. “That’s what we are there for, the veterans.”
The Post also has suicide prevention information available at all times displayed by the front door.
Casting Vets is another open door.
“A lot of vets reach out to us,” said JR Schaffner, Executive Director and veteran. “Anyone in the community, if they think a veteran is in distress or needs a welfare check, they can call us. 605-8463203.”
While Schaffner’s interest is the safety of the veteran he also needs to be aware of his own, always responding to such calls with a partner, and attempting learn as much as he can before approaching a veteran in need.
Often times just talking to someone who has ‘been there, done that’ helps the veteran know they are not alone.
Talking is a key factor in the AFSP arsenal, be it civilian or veteran, they advise: 1. Talk to them in private 2. Listen to their story 3. Tell them you care about them 4. Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide 5. Encourage them to seek treatment or contact their doctor or therapist 6. Avoid debating the value of life, minimizing their problems or giving advice.
Sheriff Lyle Norton also advises that “if anyone is having suicidal thoughts or ideations they certainly can call 911,” further stating that the deputies will do their best to help the caller through their situation and guide them to care or transport them to care if needed.
Those left behind when the unthinkable happens to their loved one also has resources for support which can be found online with the Suicide Prevention Resource Center sprc.org, which offers multiple options to fit your personal bereavement needs from open chat rooms to guides for counseling.
Locally, you can find resources at West River Mental Health, w rme n t a l h e a l t h . o r g . Additionally, the Hot Springs Ministerial Association welcomes anyone battling suicidal ideations or loss of a loved one to visit any of the churches in Hot Springs for support and guidance.
Living with the ‘what ifs’ and the seemingly suffocating guilt of losing a loved one to suicide is a journey no one should have to follow alone. The resources listed in this article offer a vast array of avenues to fit your needs as you walk this path, sometimes stumbling, sometimes falling, but know there are people there who dedicate their lives to helping you search for your future filled with grace and light.