Welcome to another series of interviews discussing various topics. We will be discussing the subject of suicide and its prevention. I have invited Michelle Cartagena who is the Lead Suicide Prevention Coordinator in the Miami VAMC Center.

 

It is a pleasure and an honor for her to take time from her work to explain to Now Public about this all important subject.  

 

 

1.      How many people in the United States commit suicide?

 

Suicide is the 11th most frequent cause of death in the United States, the 3rd most common among ages 15-34, and 2nd most common among ages 35-44.   A recent national survey found that 13.5 % of all Americans report a history of suicide ideation or suicidal thinking. 3.9 % actually made a suicide plan 4.6 % reported attempts. Among those who attempt suicide, 50% reported having made a «serious» attempt.

 

2.            What are the reasons for suicide?

 

Individuals who consider suicide are responding to an emotional crisis that usually makes them lose hope about their present and the future. Although most depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are depressed. Serious depression can be manifested in obvious sadness, but often it is rather expressed as a loss of pleasure or no interest in activities that used to be enjoyable. 

 

3. Every September, there is a Suicide Prevention Event. What are you doing to promote the discussion of suicide?

 

The Bruce W. Carter Medical Center celebrates National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Week on September every year. We put together a main event at the hospital and we invite community organizations that provide different services and they have the opportunity to display their resources to veterans during that day. The event has invited a guest speaker who addresses the issue of suicide in a hopeful way. We invite all VA employees, veterans and their families to the event.  It is a great way to distribute mental health educational materials and promotional items about National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

 

4. How many of those who commit suicide are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States of America?

 

A study published last year by researchers from Portland State University and Oregon Health & Science University found that male veterans in particular were twice as likely as civilians to commit suicide. (Kaplan et. Al. 2007).  A VA study estimates that 1000 suicides occur per year among veterans receiving care and as many as 5000 per year among all living veterans.

 

 http://my.nowpublic.com/health/dialogue-suicide-prevention-coordinator