Take Threats of Suicide Seriously, Advises JCS Psychologist

Studies have shown that the risk of suicide declines sharply when people call the national suicide hotline: 800-273-TALK (8255). (Handout photo)

This week, the world was stunned by the high-profile suicides of a pair of American pop culture icons: celebrity chef and TV host Anthony Bourdain, 61, and fashion designer and businesswoman Kate Spade, 55.

Suicide is a national epidemic that cuts across all ethnic, age, religious and socioeconomic lines. Suicide rates increased by 25 percent in the United States between 1999 and 2016, according to research published on June 7 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the U.S., a person dies by suicide every 13 minutes, according to the CDC. In 2016, about 45,000 American lives were lost to suicide, which is now the 10th leading cause of death in the nation.

In addition, the government reports that 25 states experienced a rise in suicides by more than 30 percent. More than half of those who died by suicide were not diagnosed with a mental health condition, said Dr. Anne Schuchat, the CDC’s principal deputy director.

Internationally, the World Health Organization estimates there is a suicide rate of one death every 40 seconds, which the WHO predicts will increase to one every 20 seconds by 2020.

Jmore recently spoke with Dr. Ruth L. Klein, a local clinical psychologist and director of mental health and compliance at Jewish Community Services, about the suicide epidemic.

Jmore: Sometimes after a celebrity kills themselves, there are copycat suicides. Are you concerned about that?

Dr. Klein: It’s helpful to be alert about that kind of thing. It’s not a non-concern. But [copycat suicides] happen more with local suicides, when a friend or someone you know commits suicide. That when you really worry.

Why do you think the suicide rate has skyrocketed over the past two decades?

I think people are feeling a lot more stress these days. Life was simpler before. People today are busier or more stressed than they were 20 years ago.

Also, access to firearms is pretty high today. More than 50 percent of suicides are committed through firearms use. Also, there is increased access to drugs.

What about the pervasiveness of technology?

Well, I do think that social media provides more access to information [about celebrity suicides and other matters], and that all adds to the stress out there as well.

Other factors?

Most often, people feel when there’s a loss in a relationship or a recent crisis — those are the two most frequent reasons [for suicide] that are not specifically mental health-related.

What are the warning signs for potential suicides?

Certainly depression and other kinds of mental illness. People with substance abuse issues have a higher likelihood of committing suicide, especially if there is a change in their drug or alcohol use.

Also, people who talk about committing suicide. They’re not usually silent about it, so take it very seriously. Other warning signs are mood swings, the giving away of belongings, changes in normal sleeping habits. There’s no one magic identifer, but those are usually the warning signs.

Risk factors?

A history of mental disorders, and previous suicide attempts.

What can families do to prevent suicides?

They shouldn’t be afraid of talking about it. Talking about it may alleviate the pressure [of the potential suicide victim]. Talk in an open and non-judgmental way. Don’t say, “Don’t worry about it, you’ll be fine.” Be sympathetic and encourage them to get help. JCS is a wonderful place to go where there are lots of talented therapists — we can be reached at 410-466-9200 — and if you feel someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Also, remove any potentially self-destructive items like guns or drugs or knives or medications. Ask them if they have a plan [for suicide]. Nothing is foolproof, but you have to put things in place for them to get some help. You want to help them develop coping and problem-solving skills. That would help a lot.

What are the misperceptions about suicide?

That not talking about it will make it go away. It is a hard subject to talk about. That why it’s good to get a mental health professional involved. They’re there for you and you alone.

Another misperception is that someone [contemplating suicide] is just trying to get attention. Don’t ignore it. Maybe they are trying to get attention, but maybe the’re also very desperate at that moment.

Are people who contemplate suicide irrational?

People who take their lives are not necessarily at an irrational stage. They may just feel hopeless at that particular time, but they don’t have the perspective that their story may change. A person in that moment might think that they’re thinking logically, but if they can get out of that moment with some help, with treatment and support, they could come to a different and hopefully better decision.

Is suicide a bigger stigma in the Jewish community than elsewhere?

Judaism and other religions talk about the sanctity of life. But depression hits people in every community. Drug abuse hits people in every community.

I think that in homogeneous, tight-knit communities that identify similarly, there’s more of a stigma. But having a social group — be it religious or the Kiwanis club or otherwise — can be a factor in preventing [suicide] and helping people.

If experiencing extreme distress, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

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