WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
A simple conversation could save a life – that’s just one of the messages mental health organizations are hoping to drive home on World Suicide Prevention Day. Indiana’s suicide rate rose nearly 25 percent between 2008 and 2016, and Kelsey Steuer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Indiana says social stigma still prevents people from seeking help. That’s why she says it’s crucial to discreetly reach out to loved ones who might be struggling and ask the question directly.
“I would much rather somebody be upset with me than not be here any longer. And so it’s important for us to check in on each other. The strongest thing a lot of people do is saying they need help, not staying silent and feeding the stigma by staying silent.”
Almost five times as many people in Indiana died by suicide in 2017 than in alcohol-related car crashes. Nationally, suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10 to 19, according to The Trevor Project, a national organization that provides suicide and crisis intervention to LGBTQ youth.
There is no single cause for suicide, but experts say depression, anxiety and substance-use problems can increase the risk. If a loved one has considered suicide, Steuer says the next step is to stay with them and connect them to resources that can help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24 hours a day at 800-273-8255.
