Haywood Regional Medical Center promotes mental health for National Suicide Prevention Month

Press release from Haywood Regional Medical Center:

The issue of suicide is a very difficult and concerning topic to address — and, unfortunately, it is on the rise. In fact, a recent survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows suicide rates increasing by 25 percent over nearly two decades through the end of 2016. Data from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention further underscores the importance and urgency of raising awareness of suicide, as suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S., with nearly 45,000 Americans taking their own lives each year.

Recent suicide deaths of prominent fashion designer Kate Spade and celebrated chef and author Anthony Bourdain have exposed the critical fact that suicide does not discriminate and shined a brighter light on the role that mental illness plays in suicide. Approximately 90 percent of individuals who die from suicide suffer or have suffered from some form of mental illness.

Given this, it is critically important to be proactive about recognizing the warning signs of someone who may be contemplating suicide and identifying friends and loved ones who may be at risk. According to the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI), the most recognizable signs of potential suicide are:

• Threats or comments about killing themselves, also known as suicidal ideation; these can begin with seemingly harmless thoughts like, “I wish I wasn’t here” but can become more overt and dangerous
• Increased alcohol and drug use
• Aggressive behavior
• Social withdrawal from friends, family and the community
• Dramatic mood swings
• Talking, writing or thinking about death
• Impulsive or reckless behavior

While risk factors vary, there are some common traits among individuals who fall victim to suicide. They include:

• A family history of suicide
• Substance abuse; drugs and alcohol can result in mental highs and lows that exacerbate suicidal thoughts
• Intoxication; more than one in three people who die from suicide are found to be currently under the influence
• Access to firearms
• A serious or chronic medical illness
• Gender; although more women than men attempt suicide, men are four times more likely to die by suicide
• A history of trauma or abuse
• Prolonged stress
• Isolation
• Age; people under age 24 or above age 65 are at a higher risk for suicide
• A recent tragedy or loss
• Agitation and sleep deprivation

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, any other form of mental illness or any of these signs and risk factors, it’s okay to seek help. There are behavioral health providers who can help whenever you need them. And the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, offers free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you think that you or someone you know may be suffering from a mental health condition, we can help. Haywood Regional offers adult and geriatric behavioral health services, which include diagnostic assessment, medication management, coping skills training, multi-disciplinary treatment plan, group and individual therapy, comprehensive discharge planning, nursing care, and education.

The Haywood Regional behavioral health team is made up of made up of psychiatrists, psychologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, registered nurses, community mental health assistants and peer support apecialists. Visit MyHaywoodRegional.com/BHU for more information, or call 828.452.8651 to get connected with the right care that can improve your mental health and enhance your overall well-being.