County spotlights suicide prevention; Educational programs to be offered throughout November

Nov. 12--Colusa County officials plan to have special nights throughout the county aimed at drawing attention to identifying and helping those who may be considering suicide.

The Colusa County Department of Behavioral Health and the Colusa County Office of Education have joined together to educate Colusa County about suicide and its prevention. Starting Thursday, multiple suicide prevention nights at various locations throughout the county will teach how to recognize the signs of someone who may be suicidal and what steps should be taken to prevent an untimely death.

"Over the past several years, there have been suicides by younger people as well as adults," Colusa County Superintendent of Schools Kay Spurgeon said. "It became appropriate for the community to know what to watch for before taking any action."

Spurgeon said the increase in suicide's prevalence in the media as well as the community is what motivated the county to focus on suicide prevention. All of the school districts in the county support the nights, and the county is also receiving sponsorship from Well Space Health in Sacramento.

Colusa County Department of Behavioral Health office supervisor Chantelle Estess said suicide is not a normal occurrence for the county.

However, it has been on the rise. According to data received from the county coroner's office, Colusa County reported two suicides in 2012. In 2013, that number jumped to eight, and 2014 has already had eight suicides.

Spurgeon said the county's statistics may seem small compared to other areas, but that doesn't matter.

"One is too many," Spurgeon said.

Suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the United States among people 10 years and older in 2009, according to the CDC's national suicide statistics.

More than 800,000 people die annually from suicide, according to a report from the World Health Organization released in September.

Suicide is a complicated issue with no single cause or solution. Contributing factors, the WHO study said, could be anything from individual mental health characteristics to community and social pressures.

While sometimes suicides are sudden and unexpected, the WHO report said, verbal and non-verbal signs precede most attempts.

Those who have already attempted to kill themselves are the highest risk for suicide, the report said. Other signs discussed on suicideispreventible.org were symptoms such anxiety, withdrawal, and feelings of being hopeless or trapped.

The stigma surrounding suicide is a major obstacle to preventing it, WHO director-general Margaret Chan wrote in the foreword to the report. Suicide is still illegal in some countries and is condemned by most religions.

The shame and taboo associated with this kind of death often prevents those with suicidal inclinations from getting the help they need, the report said. The report said much of the efforts to prevent suicide are making sure those who are at risk have support and access to the care they need.

One of the most important ways a friend or family member can be supportive of someone who they believe may be suicidal is talk to them about, according to suicideprevention. org.

Start the conversation, the website said, even though it will most likely be difficult. Listen, express concern, reassure the person and then create a safety plan.

A safety plan, the site said, should include things such as making sure the person suffering doesn't have access to items with which to commit suicide. Lastly, the site said, enlist professional help.

Where to go for help

--Suicide or Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 888-793-6580.

--Colusa County Behavioral Health: 530-458-0525.

--Online: http://www.countyofcolusa.org/index.aspx?nid=325.

--Crisis services can also be obtained by visiting Colusa County Department of Behavioral Health, 162 E. Carson St., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or by calling 530-458-0525.

--Institute on Aging Friendship Line: 1-800-971-0016 or 1-415-752-3778.

--Online: http://www.ioaging.org/services/cesp_suicide_prevention_help.html

--The IAF provides 24/7 crisis intervention and emotional support to older adults who are depressed, bereaved, or lonely. http://www.ioaging.org/services-for-elders-and-care-givers/friendship-line.

--Suicide Prevention and Crisis Services (WellSpace Health): 800-273-8255 or 530-885-2300.

--Online: www.effortsuicideprevention.org.

--Nationally accredited suicide prevention crisis center is available 24/7/365. Instant messaging support is available at http://suicideprevention.wellspacehealth.org.

--Crisis chat via texting: Text the word HOPE to 916-668-4226. Follow up calls are offered to those in suicidal crisis and survivors of suicide loss.

--Business Office: 916-368-3118 or online at www.wellspacehealth.org.

Prevention Nights Schedule

--Thursday: Egling Middle School Multipurpose room, 813 Webster St., Colusa.

--Nov. 19: Education Village Multipurpose Room, 101 Marguerite St., Williams.

--Nov. 20: Maxwell Elementary School Multipurpose Room, 146 North St., Maxwell.

--Nov. 24: Arbuckle Elementary School Multipurpose Room, 701 Hall St., Arbuckle.

Commonly held but incorrect beliefs about suicide

--Myth: Those who talk about suicide do not mean to do it

--Truth: People who talk about suicide may be reaching out for help and support. A significant number of people who contemplate suicide are experiencing anxiety, depression, and hopelessness, and may feel that there is no other option

--Myth: Most suicides happen suddenly without warning.

--Truth: The majority of suicides have been preceded by warning signs, whether verbal or behavioral.

--Myth: Someone who is suicidal is determined to die.

--Truth: Suicidal people are often ambivalent about living or dying. Someone may act impulsively by drinking pesticides, for instance, and die a few days later, even though they would have liked to live on. Access to emotional support at the right time can prevent suicide.

--Myth: Once someone is suicidal, he or she will always remain suicidal

--Truth: Heightened suicide risk is often short-term and situation-specific. While suicidal thoughts may return, they are not permanent and an individual with previously suicidal thoughts and attempts can go on to live a long life.

Source: "Preventing Suicide: A Global Imperative," from the World Health Organization

___

(c)2014 the Colusa County Sun-Herald (Colusa, Calif.)

Visit the Colusa County Sun-Herald (Colusa, Calif.) at www.appeal-democrat.com/colusa_sun_herald/

Distributed by MCT Information Services