MIAMI, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Suicide rates in the U.S. are at their highest level in 50 years. More than 47,000 Americans took their own lives in 2017 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, what can be done to stop this disturbing trend?
Jackie Rosen is reading from a book she wrote after her 24-year-old son Mitchell shot himself.
“It was an awful scene,” shared Rosen.
Looking back Jackie says there were signs.
“He broke up with his girlfriend, he had bought her a ring and he broke up with her,” Rosen continued.
Scott Poland, EdD, Psychology Professor, Co-Director, The Suicide & Prevention Office, Nova Southeastern University, has been studying suicide for the past 37 years.
“The most dramatic rise has been for middle school age girls and middle age white men,” stated Dr. Poland.
He says cyber bullying plays a big role, but adds most suicides are preventable because 90 percent of the time there are warning signs.
“Making statements about death, dying and suicide,” Dr. Poland continued.
Also, giving away prized possessions, saying goodbye to friends and dropping out of activities.
Dr. Poland says, “We need to talk about mental health, we need to talk about suicide.”
Poland lost his father to suicide and wishes he had recognized the warning signs. He says help now is only a tap away.
“If I were to pull out my Iphone right now and tell Siri ‘I want to kill myself’ her response is ‘may I connect you with the National Crisis Helpline?’”, Dr. Poland shared.
Jackie has dedicated her life to saving others through her organization, the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention.
“All you have to do is know the facts, know the signs and react,” said Rosen.
Keeping her son’s memory alive by saving lives.
Both Jackie and Dr. Poland say if you think someone is suicidal, don’t leave them alone and get help right away. If necessary, take them to the hospital. Jackie’s organization sponsors after-school programs in 50 Florida schools and saved 15 lives last year alone. Dr. Poland says if you are a suicide survivor there are many support groups out there. For more information on the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention, go to www.fisponline.org or call (954) 384-0344. For more information on suicide prevention go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or call 1-800-suicide (748-2433).
Contributors to this news report include: Janna Ross, Field Producer; Ken Ashe, Editor; and Judy Reich, Videographer.
SUICIDE PREVENTION: WHAT TO DO?
REPORT #2688
BACKGROUND: Suicide is among the leading causes of death in the United States. A suicide attempt is a non-fatal, self-directed, potentially injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior and might not result in injury. Suicidal ideation refers to thinking about, considering, or planning suicide. In 2017, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 47,000 people. It was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 54. There were more than twice as many suicides (47,173) in the United States as there were homicides (19,510).
(Source: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide.shtml)
SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS: Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues meet to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. Yet it’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions go on to engage in life. Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is a high concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do. Some signs could be talking about killing themselves, being a burden to others, or feeling trapped. Some behaviors are a sign such as increased use of alcohol or drugs, withdrawing from activities, or isolation from family and friends. Sometimes, moods can be a sign as well like anxiety, loss of interest, or agitation and anger.
(Source: https://afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/)
ORAL THERAPY BREAKTHROUGH: NeuroRx announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted breakthrough therapy designation to NRX-101 for the treatment of severe bipolar depression with acute suicidal ideation and behavior after initial stabilization with ketamine or another effective therapy. NRX-101 combines D-cycloserine (DCS), an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, and lurasidone, a D2/5-HT2a receptor antagonist. Unlike current approved serotonin-based antidepressants, DCS works by increasing levels of glutamate and glutamine. Currently, the only FDA-approved treatment for suicidal bipolar depression is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which has been shown to increase levels of these neurotransmitters. Results showed NRX-101 was well tolerated with no serious adverse events or treatment discontinuations for side effects. A Phase 2b/3 clinical trial is expected to begin soon with the trial comparing daily NRX-101 with lurasidone in patients with severe bipolar depression and acute suicidal ideation following initial stabilization with ketamine.
* For More Information, Contact:
Joe Donzelli, NSU Public Relations Scott Poland, Ed.D
jdonzelli@nova.edu / (954) 262-2159 SPoland@nova.edu / (954) 262-5881
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