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VALUES FOR LIVING: Let's Talk Some More

The Herald - 6/2/2018

Over the past year, I have shared with my fellow Circleville/Pickaway County citizens various thoughts and concerns facing our community our county and our country. I would like to share with all once again on a topic that is difficult to discuss, oft times passed over, and sadly many times ignored. The topic I am referring to is the topic of suicide. I believe suicide ranks right up there with mental health and addiction-related issues that many face on a day-to-day basis. But suicide is one of those taboo topics we just don't talk about. My friends, I believe it is time we start!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2017 there were 44,193 suicides in the United States; almost as many fatalities as were inflicted in the Vietnam War. For individuals ages 10 through 34 it is the second leading cause of death and for ages 35 to 54 the fourth leading cause of death. Suicide rates per 100,000 population show the following: age 10-14, the suicide rate for females is 1.7 and males 2.5; age 15-24, the suicide rate is 5.4 for females and 20.1 for males and for those age 25-34, the suicide rate is 6.7 for females and 26.0 for males. Keep in mind; this is the second leading cause of death for individuals in these age groups.

There are many more statistics that one can look up by going to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should you wish to learn more. My point in sharing these with you is, we are facing a crisis; a crisis especially within the younger age groups of our society; a crisis that no one should face, whether they are victim or family, friend or co-worker.

But what can be done? How can the average citizen, the average family member, co-worker, student or friend, how can we make a difference? Acknowledging the problem is a vital first step. Learning more about suicide, especially how we can prevent suicide, knowing the potential signs of suicide, where one can direct someone in need of intervention and how do we provide the ongoing compassion and care for all involved.

In Circleville and Pickaway County you can become involved in the Pickaway County Suicide Prevention Coalition. If you would be interested in becoming a part of the Coalition, contact Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Clinic or Berger Health Systems or myself at Community UMC and we will be more than glad to assist getting you involved.

Also, learn the possible signs of suicide and how to direct an individual to getting help. There is our local Crisis Line (740-477-2579) or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or call 911.

Once again, Circleville and Pickaway County, let us become active participants in assisting our fellow citizens in need of not only our help but also our hope. Let that someone be you! Let it be so.