Suicides higher in Graves County and the Four River's region than in KY and the US Overall

Suicides higher in Graves County and the Four River's region than in KY and the US Overall

Suicide is a problem in Graves county that must not be ignored. Nine died by suicide in 2012, three in 2011, and eleven in 2010. When compared to other areas in 2010, Graves county's suicide rate calculated to 29.6 per 100,000 population. The rate was 25.5 or 51 deaths for the entire Four Rivers region of KY. Kentucky's overall rate was 14.2. The United States rate was 12.4. As you can see our county and region has a much higher loss of life to suicide than average. The Four River's region includes the counties of Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, Hickman, Graves, Calloway, Marshall, McCracken, and Lyon.

Contributing factors to suicide include family/personal crisis, depression, hopelessness, social isolation, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse. Phillip McClain the Graves County Corner believes that family crisis such as divorce is the largest contributing factor. He also states that less than 20% leave a note, so it is sometimes challenging to determine a contributing factor. Saving the lives of those at risk involves a range of interventions. Interventions include increasing resiliency and connectedness, ensuring a continuum of care, treatment, and support for those in crisis.

Preventing death by suicide is possible, so reach out and help. If you suspect someone is contemplating suicide reach out and talk with them. If you are considering it for yourself reach out and talk to someone. Talking with someone who cares can help a person regain a sense of hopefulness. The connection and concern builds resiliency which can help a person stop considering suicide. Don't be afraid to ask if you suspect someone you know might be considering ending their life. It may be uncomfortable talking about suicide but the benefit of that discomfort is the life you can save! Studies show that asking the question does not encourage suicide it actually discourages it. Persuade the person to get help from a counselor. Going to see a counselor is similar to talking to a coach. The counselor will teach the person new ways to view life so they can regain hopefulness. The counselor will challenge incorrect thinking that has lead the person to consider suicide as an option.

Preventing death by suicide is possible. Counselor's are available to help. In the Mayfield area: Four Rivers Behavioral Health - 1-866-316-8307; Merit Behavior Health - 270-251-3666; West KY Counseling Center - 270-356-2596; Williams Christian Counseling - 270-247-5667; The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free, 24-hour hotline....Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988. This article was written by Joseph A. Williams, a Christian Counselor with Williams Christian Counseling - www.williamscc.org - Mayfield, KY.

Email: joseph@williamscc.org

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