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.
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?
I also noticed that Oz is not in the top 26, but NZ is. Also Norway which is supposed to be the best country to live in. Mexico was much lower than a lot of rich countries – I wonder, if life is a struggle & hard to hold on to, then suicide becomes less of an option because they realise how precious it can be?
That could very well be the case, Cal.
I really like your advice of just listen, too many people are in a rush to ‘fix’ mentally ill persons and put their own ideas and stories on them when the last thing they need is a story about how something worked for a friend of a friend. All we need sometimes is a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. And suicide rates in Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders is approximately 2.6 times higher than non -indigenous persons
Thanks, Jenaya. I know you’ve had your battles with this, too, so I appreciate your input. I’m saddened but not surprised to hear that Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders is higher than non-indigenous people. It’s a national disgrace.
Mental health awareness is an important issue for Christians, and not something we talk about enough. We have had some interesting duscussions at our church recently, with positive comment by church members on raising awareness. Just because we are loved by God and should show His love in how we live doesn’t mean we are exempt from these issues, as we still live in a fallen world. Thanks for reminding us to have these important discussions, Wendy.
You’re very welcome, Michael. I’m delighted to hear that your community is engaging in the conversation. I would have thought that part of “showing God’s love” is taking an interest in the well-being of others, so good on ya.