A Psychologist/Suicide Attempt Survivor Reacts to New U.S. Suicide Stats

Dr. Bart Andrews has one of the most compelling stories of anyone I know in the suicide prevention arena. He's a gifted psychologist, an energetic advocate for suicide prevention and a suicide attempt survivor.

Dr. Andrews and Sheila Hamilton, author of "All the Things We Never Knew, Chasing the Chaos of Mental Illness," talk about the newest CDC findings, which indicate suicide has surged to the highest levels in nearly 30 years.

The analysis finds particularly steep increases for women and among middle-aged Americans.
The suicide rate for middle-aged women, ages 45 to 64, jumped by 63 percent over the period of the study, while it rose by 43 percent for men in that age range, the sharpest increase for males of any age. The overall suicide rate rose by 24 percent from 1999 to 2014, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, which released the study on Friday.

The National Action Alliance for Suicide prevention is developing partnerships with leaders across the country to implement suicide prevention strategies. Prevention efforts are underway to reduce suicide through connections in online communities as well. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) is available for anyone in crisis.

The Action Alliance reminds us: For every one person who dies by suicide, there are approximately 278 people who have moved past serious thoughts about killing themselves, and nearly 60 who have survived a suicide attempt. The most important message: The overwhelming majority of survivors go on to live their lives. They get past suicidal ideation and they live, often richly rewarding lives. We need to focus more on the untold stories of recovery. This is the work of Dr. Bart Andrews and so many dedicated suicide prevention advocates. Find out more at Twitter at #SPSM

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db241.htm

http://actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org/sites/actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org/files/Action-Alliance-Response-to-CDC-Report-Final-2016-04-22.pdf

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/22/health/us-suicide-rate-surges-to-a-30-year-high.html?_r=0