Branstad signed a proclamation today designating Sept. 7 through 13 as Suicide Prevention Week.
According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death for all Iowans and the second-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds and those ages 25 to 44.
“In the U.S., one person dies by suicide every 12.8 minutes and last year in Iowa, 392 Iowans died by suicide,” said Pat McGovern, IDPH Suicide Prevention Program coordinator. “Unfortunately, many of those who died never received effective help, partly because of the stigma often associated with behavioral health illnesses and treatment.”
“There is no single suicide prevention effort that will be sufficient or appropriate for all Iowans; however, it’s important to make suicide prevention a statewide priority and recognize it as a significant public health problem,” said McGovern.
Most people who die by suicide have talked about it or given definite warning signs such as making a plan, suffering the recent loss of a family member or friend through death or suicide, suffering other losses like a job or relationship, use or increased use of drugs and/or alcohol, sudden uncharacteristic behavior changes like increased aggression, or a sudden decline in grades at school. Talking about suicide is not an easy thing to do, but if you are concerned, your involvement might save a life.
Ways to start a conversation about suicide:
• I have been feeling concerned about you lately.
• Recently, I have noticed some differences in you and wondered how you are doing.
• I wanted to check in with you because you haven't seemed yourself lately.
Questions to ask:
• When did you begin feeling like this?
• Did something happen that made you start feeling this way?
• How can I best support you right now?
• Have you thought about getting help?
What to say that helps:
• You are not alone in this. I'm here for you.
• You may not believe it now, but the way you're feeling will change.
• I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help.
If you or someone you know appears depressed and possibly suicidal, it is your business to get involved. Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK or go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. You may also contact Your Life Iowa at 855-581-8111 or go to www.yourlifeiowa.org.