Five a day: Suicide in the top 5 leading causes of death in Ohio

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — September spotlights suicide prevention awareness nationally and around the world, encouraging tough but necessary conversations about mental health.

According to a report published this February by the Health Policy Insitute of Ohio, approximately five people a day die from suicide.

Sept. 8-14 is National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, and the entire month is National Suicide Prevention Month.

Statistics underline the issue

Experts say those experiencing suicidal thoughts and survivors need a sense of purpose, community, and helpful resources. Suicide prevention efforts are complex, and require consideration of areas such as mental health, financial wellness, substance abuse, and housing.

The Office of the United States Surgeon General identified suicide prevention as a national public health priority in 1999. Despite that, between 1999 and 2018, the number of suicide deaths in the U.S. increased by more than 30 percent.

Some data has shown a decrease in suicide rates beginning in 2019, though not inclusive of minority populations. Additionally, due to stigma, the COVID-19 pandemic, and various other disparities, experts say figures in the last few years have likely been underreported.

Carol Griesdorn, American Foundation Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Ohio Chapter Board Chair, Loss and Healing Team member says she’s seen the impact of isolation during that time.

“My support group during COVID, we went online and just brought it back in person in January. And the numbers have grown,” said Griesdorn.

This year, a 10-year plan was released by the CDC to combat this public health crisis with a primary goal to decrease suicide by 20 percent by next year.

Who is affected by suicide?

As a public health issue, suicide impacts everyone and requires the attention of all.

In Ohio, suicide is a leading cause of death for early adolescents, ages 10 to 14. The CDC has identified this age group as accounting for 15% of all suicides. According to NAMI, 50 percent of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by 14 and 75 percent by age 24, making early intervention key.

Empirical evidence shows that adverse childhood experiences, bullying and experiences of violence compounded with negative social conditions contribute to higher rates and risk of suicide. But it’s not just young people that are at high risk for suicide death in Ohio.

The National Rural Health Association reports that farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. The CDC also reports that rural areas experience higher suicide rates than urban areas.

In 2021, there were 242 veteran suicide deaths in Ohio. It is the 13th leading cause of death for Veterans overall, but the second leading cause of death for Veterans under the age of 45.

Black, American Indian and Alaskan Native populations all saw an increase in suicide rates between 2018 and 2021, and are among the most at-risk demographic.

What resources are available?

In the last two years, Ohio’s 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline made nearly 340,000 contacts , representing nearly three percent of the state’s 11.8 million population. The 988 crisis line is the number one resource for connecting individuals experiencing a crisis to life-saving resources.

For Veterans, calling 988 and pressing 1 connects them, their loved ones and/or family members to a large support network of VA-specific staff.

“That’s the most critical piece that we want Veterans to know,” said Jay Wainscott, Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Dayton VAMC. “When they call 988 and press 1, they will reach a Veterans’ crisis line coordinator. That’s instrumental in that, that Veterans’ crisis line coordinator can connect them to resources and assistance they might need in that moment.”

Following a call to the crisis center, the suicide prevention team at the Dayton VA Medical Center receives a referral. A large team of highly clinical staff will then follow up with additional resources to meet the needs mentioned in the initial call.

Community involvement is key to suicide prevention efforts. Starting Sept. 29, AFSP will host walks across the country and Ohio. Here in the Miami Valley, an area walk is scheduled for Oct. 13 at the Don Crawford Plaza in Dayton. Interested participants can register for free online .

“People that have lost somebody, people that are supporting people that are struggling, people that are struggling,” said Griesdorn. “We have community resources that are all around, and it’s a change for people to come and gather and ask questions of our community support systems.”

Do not wait to seek support if you or someone you know is considering suicide. Call or text the 988 lifeline, or chat online with trained support professionals. ASL and Español are available.

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