Mental Health Awareness: Suicide is second leading killer of 24 to 35-year-olds

Suicide does not discriminate. Suicide does not know income levels, race or neighborhoods. Suicide can happen next door.

Every day in California, Nevada, and every other state, there are friends, family and co-workers who struggle with emotional pain. And, for some, it's too difficult to talk about the pain, thoughts of suicide, and the need for help.

- Nearly 40,000 Americans commit suicide every year.

- In the U.S., suicide rates are highest during the spring.
- Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-olds and 2nd for 24 to 35-year-olds.
- On average, 1 person commits suicide every 16.2 minutes.
- Each suicide intimately affects at least 6 other people.
- About 2/3 of people who complete suicide are depressed at the time of their deaths. Depression that is untreated, undiagnosed, or ineffectively treated is the number 1 cause of suicide.
- There is 1 suicide for every 25 attempted suicides.
- Males make up 79% of all suicides, while women are more prone to having suicidal - thoughts.
- 1 in 65,000 children ages 10 to 14 commit suicide each year.
- There are 2 times as many deaths due to suicide than HIV/AIDS.
- Over 50% of all suicides are completed with a firearm.
- In 2013 (the most recent year for which full data are available), 41,149 suicides were reported, making suicide the 10th leading cause of death for Americans.
- In 2013, the highest suicide rate was among people 45 to 64 years old. The second highest rate occurred in those 85 years and older

These are sobering thoughts.

During a recent South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting, City Manager Nancy Kerry emotionally talked about the two year anniversary of her son Dustin's suicide.

"When you know someone is hopeless, help them, be aware and do all it takes to save them," Nancy said. It was too late to help Dustin but Nancy and her family hope they can help save others.

"Listen, and be kind," she asked. "Your comments may be the last straw. Don't forget to say 'I'll help'."

For many, ending their life is easier than solving their problems.

Knowing the signs of suicide may help save a life. According to the Suicide Prevention Network, they are:

- Talking about wanting to die or suicide
- Feeling hopeless, desperate, trapped
- Giving away possessions
- Putting affairs in order
- Anger
- Increased drug or alcohol use
- Withdrawal
- Anxiety or agitation
- Changes in sleep
- Sudden mood changes
- No sense of purpose

If you sense something is wrong, trust your instincts and get help.

Mental health has been at the forefront this week during Mental Health Awareness week. The biggest thing people can take away from this week is knowing that mental issues continue every day for so many, not only in our community, but around the country. The key to helping those affected is through education and awareness.