(BEDFORD) – The Lawrence County Suicide Prevention Coalition Walk is scheduled for October 24th at 9:00 a.m. and will start and end at the Thornton Park Shelter House.
Registration is the day of the event and is free. However, donations will be accepted so the group can purchase suicide prevention literature, and prizes.
For more information call 812-277-6516.
“Because of the lockdown and COVID-19 suicides have increased 15 percent and 20 percent among military members,” said Terry Sanders Lawrence County Suicide Coalition member.
Here is some facts and figures:
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States
- On average, 132 Americans died by suicide each day
- 1.4 million Americans attempted suicide
- 90% of those who died by suicide had a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of death
- Men died by suicide 3.6 times more often than woman.
- Women were 1.4 times more likely to attempt suicide.
- 48,344 Americans died by suicide.
- 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-34
- 4th leading cause of death for ages 35-54
In 2017, the suicide rate was 1.5 times higher for Veterans than for non-Veteran Adults over the age of 18.
Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Warning Signs of Suicide:
There are several unusual or related actions which have been associated as predictors of suicidal feelings, including:
- previous suicide attempts ( biggest risk factor, 80 percent tried it before)
- mentioning suicide plans: in the majority of cases, people have voiced their intent before killing themselves.
- acquiring the means such as a firearm ( gun), rope, poison or stocking pills,
- preoccupation with death in conversations;
- giving away valuable items or favorite prized possessions on impulse;
- recent neglect of their appearance and hygiene
- cleaning and tidying a room far more than usual;
- morosely sad, depressed, hopeless, or lacking energy
- rage, uncontrolled anger, or seeking revenge;
- increased use of alcohol, or drug abuse;
- too much sleep or too little; insomnia;
- sudden lift in spirits or happiness, after long sadness for the end, is near;
- withdrawing from friends, family, and prior interests;
- dramatic change in dress or personal activities;
- rewriting a will or legal farewell letters or visiting to say goodbye;
- apologizing to others for various past actions;
- taking delay risks such as driving extremely fast or running redlights;
- absenteeism or poorer performance at work or school;
- actions or words of hopelessness, intense anger or unexplained happiness;
Although not every case has shown those warning signs, a large percentage of cases have included some of them.
Nation Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24 hours a day. Call 1-800-273-8255. For veterans press option (1).
