Groups work to dispel the stigma of suicide

By Eric Freehling

Eagle Community Editor

September 17, 2022 Last Updated: September 16, 2022 07:41 PM Community

Amy Cirelli of the Butler County Suicide Coalition speaks to the crowd gathered at this year’s suicide remembrance event at Diamond Park on Sept. 7. Shoes were placed around the part fountain in remembrance of loved ones lost to suicide. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Every day, an average of 123 Americans die by suicide in this country. Statistics show suicide is the tenth-leading cause of death in the United States — the second leading cause for people ages 25 to 34, and the third leading cause for those ages 15 to 24.

While society has been more open to discussions about suicide, there is still a stigma surrounding it.

In an effort to create awareness and strengthen the fight against suicide, September has been designated Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.

That’s why people such as Shanea Clancy, VA suicide prevention coordinator team leader since March 2021, and Amy Cirelli, co-chairman of the Butler County Suicide Coalition, said it’s important for the month’s message of prevention and awareness of suicide and support for those affected by it are so important.

Especially since the number of suicides in Butler County in 2021 was 37, the highest number ever, according to Cirelli.

“Annual suicide numbers are usually around 20,” said Cirelli. “It actually dipped during the pandemic. Last year it was up to 37.”

Individual, community impact of suicides

Individual Impact:

79% of all people who die by suicide are male.

Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4 times more likely to die by suicide.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 10–14 and the third-leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 in the United States

Suicide is the 12th-leading cause of death overall in the U.S.

46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition - but research shows that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition.

Community Impact:

Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:

4.9% of all adults

11.3% of young adults aged 18-25

18.8% of high school students

45% of LGBTQ youth

The highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaska Natives followed by non-Hispanic whites.

Lesbian, gay and bisexual youths are nearly 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than straight youths.

Transgender adults are nearly 9 times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for people in local jails.

– Data from CDC, NIMH and other select sources.

She speculated that it could have been a delayed effect of the pandemic lockdown.

“There’s no sure way of knowing what makes someone consider suicide,” said Cirelli. “Everybody’s different. Everybody has a different support system. Everybody has a different ability to cope.

“What could be a minor bump in the road to one person could be devastating to someone else,” she said.

That’s why her coalition, made up of agencies, individuals and schools, formed to work to reduce suicides by offering prevention support and awareness.

And that’s especially urgent in the case of Clancy’s clientele, veterans facing aging or dealing with post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression or substance abuse brought on by their time in the military.

Clancy, who holds a doctorate in nursing, said there are 1.2 million suicide attempts in the country annually. According to national figures, last year approximately 44,000 people in the United States died by suicide.

And while Clancy said veterans make up 9% of the general population, there are average of 22 veteran suicides a day.

“The statistics are higher in the older population of veterans,” said Clancy. “It could be triggered by a medical diagnosis.”

Vietnam War era veterans (who are now the biggest population of older veterans as World War II and Korean War veterans pass away) are now the older population of veterans. When they came back from service, Clancy said they too were suffering from PTSD, depression and anxiety as is recognized in today’s combat veterans.

But their needs went unrecognized at the time.

“The technology wasn’t in place. They called it ‘shell shock’ not PTSD,” she said. “ Caring has transformed as evidence-based practices were used to effectively treat veterans with PTSD.”

Clancy said evidence-based practice means the objective, balanced and responsible use of current research and the best available data to guide policy and practice decisions.

Clancy said the recent pandemic and resulting restrictions worsened conditions for troubled veterans.

“Friends and family were not connected. People were isolating at that point. They were stuck in their head home alone,” she said.

Clancy and Cirelli both said potential suicides have telltale signs.

Cirelli said one cause for concern is “if someone is giving away their possessions, things they really value, things that are important to them.

“If they seem to be increasingly depressed. If they are saying, ‘Hey, will you take care of my dog if I’m gone?’ That’s a sign,” she said.

Clancy listed other signs of possible suicidal behaviors: risk-taking behavior (gambling, driving at high speeds), lots of relationships, making and canceling plans, and increased alcohol and substance use.

Cirelli said it’s important to question possible suicide victims, persuade them to seek help and refer them to places to get help.

She said the coalition offers free training to agencies, businesses and church groups to recognize suicidal thoughts and give aid to those suffering from them.

“It’s free training. We’ll come to wherever you are,” said Cirelli, adding that groups that want to sign up should email the coalition at youmatterbutler@gmail.com.

Clancy said the start in July of a national suicide and crisis lifeline reachable by dialing at 988 may be a help.

Clancy said if you dial 988 and press 1, the caller is sent to a specific veterans assistance line that is staffed all day every day of the year.

Clancy said suicide awareness and how to spot the signs of a possibly suicidal patient has led to training in every section of the VA Hospital in Butler.

“Statistically, it’s proven that the last appointment that a veteran has before attempting suicide is an emergency room visit or a doctor’s visit, whether with a primary care physician, an audiologist or a dentist,” said Clancy.

Having an optician or a physical therapist able to notice the signs of a suicidal veteran is the first step to preventing a suicide.

Clancy’s advice to anyone worried an acquaintance or relative might be at risk for suicide: “Don’t wait; reach out.”

Deb Smith speaks to people about her son at this year’s suicide remembrance event at Diamond Park on Sept. 7. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

A rain shower did not keep people away from Diamond Park on Sept. 7 for this year’s suicide remembrance event. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Shoes were laid out around the fountain at Diamond Park to remember those lost to suicide at the suicide remembrance event on Sept. 7. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle