The rate of teen suicide in Hawaii is astronomical. Nationally, we lose more than 400,000 young people each year to suicide, and there are nearly 600,000 attempts each year as well. Hundreds of thousands of teens also inflict injuries on
The rate of teen suicide in Hawaii is astronomical. Nationally, we lose more than 400,000 young people each year to suicide, and there are nearly 600,000 attempts each year as well. Hundreds of thousands of teens also inflict injuries on themselves that require medical attention. Most teenage suicides involve either a firearm or suffocation.
The Injury Prevention and Control Section has led suicide prevention measures within the Hawaii State Department of Health since 2005 with the assistance of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division and the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Division. The Prevent Suicide Hawaii Task Force has chapters in each county and includes more than 100 members representing a wide network of agencies.
Some of the recommendations of the task force are that gatekeepers (who can be any individual who interacts with others at work, school, at play, or in home or community settings) should be trained in suicide prevention and intervention in order to learn to recognize the early signs of suicidal behavior.
Gatekeepers must implement effective and early intervention strategies, identify opportunities to reinforce protective factors, intervene in crisis situations, and refer those in crisis to appropriate professionals to mental health services. Training gatekeepers is considered to be a best practice among suicide prevention professionals.
These trainings should be continually evaluated to determine which approaches are most effective across settings, and should also be culturally appropriate to include understanding and reaching under-served populations such as youth, the homeless and those with mental health challenges.
Recommended participants in these training programs include law enforcement officers, school personnel, medical first responders and clinicians, as well as community members with access to those at risk for suicide, and health education students.
The stigma associated with suicide is recognized as a barrier to treatment for many people who are having suicidal thoughts or who have made previous attempts. People must become more aware that this problem exists — it is a huge problem — and that help is available.
People usually attempt suicide to block unbearable emotional pain. It is often a cry for help. Often suicidal people feel isolated and feel there is no one to turn to for help. Most suicidal people give warning signals before the attempt in hopes that they will be rescued.
Having thoughts of suicide does not mean that someone is mentally ill. It means that a person is acutely distressed and depressed and feels hopeless. Talking about feelings promotes understanding and can greatly reduce the distress of a suicidal person. It can come as a relief that someone else notices their pain and cares enough to talk.
Some factors that can contribute to a young person feeling suicidal may be significant changes in relationships, the well-being of a family member, poor self-image, problems at school or university, problems at home or financial problems. Other issues may be significant losses such as the death of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, or loss of employment. Other times it is abuse. It may be physical bullying, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual or social abuse, threats — or it may be simple neglect.
The warning signs typically are withdrawal, depression, loss of interest in usual activities, sadness, hopelessness, changes in appetite and body weight, changes in level of activity, changes in sleep patterns, and loss of energy. Suicidal people may make negative comments about themselves, have recurring suicidal fantasies, or display at sudden change from being hopeless to being “at peace.” They may talk or write about suicide, or may have tried it before. They may suddenly decide to put their affairs in order by giving away prized possessions, and clearing the air from past personal incidents.
If you suspect that someone you know is thinking about suicide, ask them the question. By asking if they are feeling so bad that they want to end it all, you open the door to communication and let them know that you care.
You can also anonymously speak to a counselor or therapist in a non-threatening telephone call, if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide. The number to call on Kauai is 1-800-753-6879. This is Hawaii’s Suicide crisis line for our island. Help is available and people care.
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Jane Riley is a certified behavior change specialist. She can be reached at janerileyfitness@gmail.com, (808) 212-8119 and www.janerileyfitness.com
