One of my blog readers (hello, Claire!) sent me a link to a set of data, graphs etc about suicides in the USA.

Have a look here:  http://www.socialworkdegreecenter.com/suicide-notes/

It makes for some interesting reading. It looks at the distribution of suicide according to states of America (Texas and California look like good places to live), gender, age and ethnicity. It also gives some warning signs for people to be aware of and suggests some things we can all do to help prevent our loved ones committing suicide.

Two things in particular stood out to me. 1. We weren’t included in the graph showing the suicide percentages of different countries in the world and 2. the disproportionate number of Native Americans who felt compelled to end their life.  Although they represent only about 2% of the population, they were the second highest number in ethnicities. That is deeply disturbing.

It made me think of our indigenous people here in Australia. I wonder what the statistics are for them. I know they already have a much higher rate of kidney disease, liver failure, infant mortality and a much lower life expectancy. That’s enough to make anyone depressed.

Warning signs:-

• Talking about wanting to die
• Researching methods of suicide
• Talk of hopelessness
• Referring to self as a burden on others
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Reckless behavior
• Change in sleeping patterns (too much or too little)
• Extreme mood swings
• Self-isolation
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
• Sudden sense of calm in absence of therapeutic or medical intervention

The only thing that bothered me was the list of things we can do to help. Basically, their suggestion is to ring the authorities or send the person to a hospital – oh, and keep them away from guns and poison. Now, this is all fine and medical help is definitely a good thing but it’s not enough because it remains impersonal. The thing is, when you are gripped by the black dog of depression, you feel as though you are completely alone: no one cares, no one understands and no one can help.

I like our RUOK? program here in Australia. It is so important that we are aware of the people we are with and that we make the effort, if we notice things don’t seem well with someone, to take the time to ask, R (are) U (you) OK?  Or, as we Aussies like to say, “How ya goin’, mate?” And then, to take the time to listen. Don’t give advice – unless it’s asked for – just listen, be interested and love them. If we can break through the fog that’s swirling around them and can let them know they’re not alone, that someone does care and that this too will come to an end/an answer can be found, then the battle is well on the way to being won.

So, R U OK?