Dr. Berney Wilkinson

Ledger columnist

#Suicide continues to be one of the leading causes of death in #Americans ages 10 to 64. In fact, it is the second leading cause of death in #Americans between the ages of 10 and 14 years, as well as those between the ages of 25 and 34 years. As a result, statistics suggest that in 2020 a person in #America died from #suicide every 11 minutes.

 One of the leading risk factors for #suicide is #socialisolation and discrimination. As a result, the rates of #suicidalideation and #suicideattempts are far greater in #minority groups that include #sexualorientation and #genderidentity. Individuals who identify as #LGBTQ+, for example, are four times more likely to attempt #suicide than their #heterosexual peers. It is important to point out, though, that it is not one’s race, #sexualorientation, or #genderidentity that increases their risk, per se. Rather, it is the physical, emotional, and #mentalabuse that is experienced from others that increases their risk.

Other contributing factors for one’s risk of #suicide include #mentalillness and #substanceabuse. While there are many ways in which #mentalillness and #substanceabuse can affect a person, one of the most concerning is the risk of cognitive distortions. That is, when a person is suffering from a #mentalhealthproblem, or if they are under the influence of substances, their thoughts are not always clear and realistic. They may start to think that their problems are greater or more permanent than they really are. As a result, they tend to feel hopeless and to feel that no one can help them.

Despite these risk factors, there are also many protective factors that can help to reduce the risk of someone attempting #suicide. One of the best ways to reduce one’s risk is to offer them a sense of belonging. As social creatures, humans want to feel as though they have a group with whom they can belong. For most of us, family is the first group, followed later by a social group of friends. However, when individuals feel that they don’t belong, their risk for #self-harm increases significantly. Moreover, simply allowing others to be who they are offers a great deal of support, protection and a sense of belonging.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

At a system level, another effective way to provide protection is to increase access to #mentalhealthcare. Many people who suffer from #mentalhealthissues never seek treatment. While schools offer a great deal of #mentalhealthsupport, many #kids are either concerned about the #socialstigma of seeking #mentalhealthtreatment, or they feel as though a #mentalhealthprofessional would not be able to help them. Similarly, in the community, many people avoid seeking #mentalhealthtreatment, or they simply do not have access to it. However, as a community, it is critical that we recognize that at any given time, at least 20% of us (that’s 1 in 5) are struggling with some #mentalhealthissue. It is not rare and it should make anyone feel ashamed.

Although #suicide continues to be a major problem, there is hope and there is help. If you or someone you know is struggling with #suicidalthoughts, schedule an appointment with your #doctor, schedule a visit with a #mentalhealthprofessional, or access an online counseling service. That said, if the risk of #suicide is significant and you are concerned about the risk for #self-harm, call the #SuicideandCrisisHotline, which is now easier to remember; just dial #988 and someone will be on the line to offer support and assistance.

Dr. Berney, a licensed #psychologist with Psychological Associates of Central Florida in Lakeland, is a national speaker and the co-author of "Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Healthy #Child." Listen to Dr. Berney's podcast, "The #Mental Breakdown,” on iTunes and YouTube. You can submit questions or topics to Dr. Berney by email at drberney@pacflorida.com.
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