Suicide Prevention Week

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, which (at least in the US) is encompassed by National Suicide Prevention Week.  It seemed appropriate to take a look at some of the causes and contributing factors in suicide.

In North America one of the leading causes of suicide is mental illness, in particular depression.  The greatest thing we can do to help in this area is raise awareness of mental illness.  This can be done with short articles inserted into the bulletin and on the parish website, by prayer intentions, and in homilies (I'll link to some resources for all of these at the end).  The fact is, mental illness is widely prevalent- just think of anxiety and depression in their different levels and forms alone.  It is so prevalent, and yet there is still a stigma (bias, distrust, stereotyping, fear, embarrassment, anger, and/or avoidance) attached to mental illness which keeps people from talking about what is going on, and from seeking help.  Education can help immeasurably with this, but another thing to keep in mind is the way we speak- our jokes and comments- and the less overt things which can 'stigmatize' and isolate people, such as lower expectations, avoidance, and fear. 

Alcohol and substance abuse are also contributing factors- especially when paired with another mental illness.

Other contributing factors are changes, loss and beginnings.  Changes can include moving, a new school or work, major life events (marriage, purchasing a home, pregnancy), and even seasonal changes.  Loss can be a large contributing factor- loss of a loved one, loss of a job/long unemployment, and recent disability. Beginnings can be a factor as well- the beginning of the school year, beginning of the week etc, as they bring added stress and expectations.
Being aware of these kinds of things can do a lot to help a person who is struggling.  Giving them time and opportunities to talk it out, and probably most importantly not attaching a particular time line to when that person should be 'readjusted' particularly when it comes to grief.

The final factor I'll mention today is isolation.  Whether it is because of stigma (real or perceived) or because of difficult behaviors, symptoms or fear, it is very easy for people who have a mental illness to be either completely silent about what is happening, to avoid reaching out to others, and/or to be avoided.  Feeling alone only compounds feelings of helplessness.  This is where peer relationships can be so healing.  Peers are people who have a mental illness themselves (or have a family member who does), people of a similar age and background, or really anyone with whom the person has formed a supportive relationship.  Parishes are a natural place where people can connect this way, by invitation to regular parish activities, or even by sponsoring a specific opportunity for people who have a mental illness to meet and get together.           

One last thing to remember: behaviors are a language all their own, speaking of what is happening internally even if it cannot be verbalized.  If you notice changes- erratic behavior, wide mood swings, or someone becoming atypically moody and withdrawn, sleeping more, neglecting responsibilities, losing interest in friends and activities they once loved or beginning to neglect their appearance, health, and hygiene- these are things to be concerned about and to ask about.

And of course, in a crisis, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available 24/7: 1.800.273.TALK (8255) or 911.   

Sample Short Bulletin Articles
Sample Prayer Intentions
Homily Preparation Tips