72 - World Suicide Prevention Day

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.

I went digging for some grim statistics this morning for that.   I’m particularly concerned with veteran suicide rates.  According to the Military Times, an average of 17 veterans take their own lives everyday.  That number has remained stable for more than a decade they say.

I’m concerned about this year since COVID-19 has all of us feeling lonely and depressed at times, but I couldn’t find any numbers to suggest an increasing rate of suicide this year.

Globally, about 800,000 people commit suicide every year.  It’s one of the leading killers of young people.  The suicide rate for men is twice as high as it is for women.  In the US, 60% of gun deaths are suicides.

What can we do?  Talk to someone.

Whether you are a candidate or not, please keep the suicide prevention hotline on your favorites
list on your phone.  If you need help, or if you encounter anyone who needs help, you’ll have the number to call at your fingertips.  800-SUICIDE.  A special number for Veterans is 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) then Press 1.  If you encounter someone in crisis, you can also call 911. 

We need to take care of each other.  We need to love each other.  There are a lot of stressors surrounding us, especially now.  So be sensitive to those you encounter whether in person or online.

Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while.  Just check in on them.  Especially the older folks who could be experiencing incredible loneliness.

Incidentally, the lowest suicide rates in the world are countries in the Caribbean.  Hopefully we'll all be able to travel again soon.  Maybe an island break is just what we need.

Have a great day and I’ll see you tomorrow.