Local suicide numbers exceed state average
Martinsville BulletinJun 16, 2017
2015 is the most recent year for which data were available.
Keep in mind that small numbers of suicides and small populations can cause fluctuations from year to year.
In 2013 suicide ranked as the 11th leading cause of death in
"Issues in the city of
He added that "unfortunately, the
Hershey said feeling trapped and unable to cope with a particular situation in life tends to lead people to consider suicide, but everyone needs to recognize that pain is an inevitable part of life.
"So what can be done if you are suicidal? Either find a way to reduce the amount of pain you are experiencing and/or increase your coping resources," Hershey said. "My advice is that if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, try and seek professional help. Piedmont Community Services is a good place to start. Their office number is 276-632-7128."
Hershey pointed out that according to information from the
Hershey said that in
"There is no single cause of suicide," Hershey said. "Suicide-related behavior is complicated and rarely the result of a single source of trauma or stress. A combination of individual, relationship, community, and societal factors contribute to the risk of suicide."
Risk factors, according to Hershey, include previous suicide attempt; history of depression or other mental illness; drug or alcohol abuse; family history of suicide or violence; feelings of isolation, hopelessness or loss (financial, work, social or relational); physical illness; religious or cultural beliefs (for example, belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma); and easy access to lethal methods (such as drugs or guns).
Hershey said other risk factors include barriers to accessing mental health treatment and unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to substance abuse and mental health disorders or to suicidal thoughts. Most people who engage in suicidal behavior never seek mental health services, studies have shown. Surviving the loss of a loved one to suicide also is a risk factor.
Factors that may help prevent suicide include "effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders; family and community support (connectedness); support from on-going medical and mental healthcare relationships; skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent ways of handling disputes; and cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support instincts for self-preservation," Hershey said.
He also wanted to address bullying and suicide-related behavior.
"The bottom line of the most current research findings is that being involved in bullying in any way -- as a person who bullies, a person who is bullied, or a person who both bullies and is bullied -- is one of several important risk factors that appear to increase the risk of suicide among youth."
Piedmont Community Services Executive Director
"We have emergency services counselors available 24 hours per day," Hershey said. "Call CONTACT Listen Line, 1-877-934-3576. There is also a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273- TALK (8255), if you need to talk with someone. It is very important for us to continue to educate the community, to be familiar with warning signs to watch for, and factors that may increase the risk of suicide."
Piedmont offers training in mental health first aid, applied suicide intervention skills, signs of suicide and Safe Talk.
"These programs help people understand mental illness, how to better deal with someone who is experiencing a crisis, how to react to someone who is expressing suicidal thoughts and how to get help. Our goal is to get as many people trained as possible. We offer all of our trainings free of charge," Preston said.
For more information about these training opportunities contact
Piedmont plans to restart the Suicide Collaborative in