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I chose this because it talks about how the stigma of mental illnesses is making the suicide rates rise

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I chose this because it talks about how the stigma of mental illnesses is making the suicide rates rise

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Twice this week my heart has ached on hearing news of two incredible people taking their own lives-iconic fashion designer Kate Spade and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain. My heart goes out to those who loved them. It also goes out to anyone who has lost someone they love to suicide. So many of us have.

It is a tragedy that the world has lost two people who were so widely loved and admired but saw no future worth living for. Their deaths, so public and so shocking, show that none of us are immune to anxiety, depression or despair, even those among us whom seem to appear the most resilient.

Suicide is on the rise globally, accounting for nearly one million deaths annually. Within the United States, suicide rates have risen 30% in the last 20 years. According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):

In 2016, there were 44,965 recorded suicides (though due to the stigma surrounding suicide, it is suspected that it is unreported).

On average, adjusted for age, the annual U.S. suicide rate increased 24% between 1999 and 2014.

In 2015 the suicide was the 10th leading cause of death overall-the seventh leading cause for males and the 14th leading cause for females.

Suicide was the second leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 24 and the third leading cause of death for children aged 10 to 14.

Between 1999 to 2010, the largest increases were among men in their 50s, with rates rising nearly 50%, and for women aged 60 to 64, with rates rising 60%.

The escalating suicide rates, and rise and rise of people suffering from mental illnesses (nearly one in five U.S. adults-nearly 45 million in 2016-suffer with mental illness) call on each of us to pay closer attention to how the people we love and know are coping with life. Clearly just because someone's life appears good on the outside, doesn't mean all is well in their moments beyond the public eye. The alarming rates of anxiety and depression also provide a siren call to take a critical look at the larger factors at play- such as rising levels of loneliness attributed partly to overuse of social media -contributing to new depths of anxiety, disconnection and despair.

Having lost my youngest brother to suicide after a long battle with mental illness, I know all too well the steep toll it can take on both the person suffering and those who care for them, as well as the vital importance of removing the stigma around mental illness. Looking back on my brother's anguish torn struggle with schizophrenia, while I am not sure what more or else my family could have done to support him, I believe we all would have been better off and suffered less-my brother and my parents in particular-had there not been so much shame and stigma surrounding his mental illness.

Fear of social rejection, ridicule, discrimination and judgement often keep people from sharing their struggle. While we may not all suffer from mental illness, we each have a role to play in ensuring that those who do suffer feel less afraid to reach out and get the support they need in the moments when they need it most. If people felt as comfortable talking about their PTSD, bipolar or anxiety as they did talking about their eczema or tennis elbow, it would markedly reduce the suffering of those with mental illness and the ability of those around them to support them.

There are many ways we can help to remove the social stigma and make it easier for people not to self-stigmatize themselves. Talk openly-without shame or self-consciousness-about your own experience of mental illness or that of your family. If you sense someone around you may be struggling, have the courage to ask them how they're doing. Put yourself in their shoes and try not to judge, but to extend the compassion they need. And if you are struggling yourself, I can only encourage you, with all my heart, to reach out, to confide your struggle and to keep faith that hope exists no matter how dark life may feel right now. Because it does. Rediscovering it is easier when we don't cut ourselves off and go it alone.

If you are struggling right now, please contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the many other professional mental health care agencies.
Margie Warrellis a bestselling author of Brave, international speaker & authority on brave leadership. Connect onLinked In,Twitter&Facebook.

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The Rise And Rise Of Suicide: We Must Remove The Stigma Of Mental Illness

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We each have a role to play in removing the stigma of mental illness and helping those who are struggling with mental ill health get help. Suicide rates have soared 30% in the US in the last 20 years where suicide is now the tenth leading cause of death and second-leading cause of those aged 10-24.

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I chose this because it talks about reasons why teens commit suicide

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I chose this because it talks about reasons why teens commit suicide

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When the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" premiered in March 2017, it quickly became one of the most watched-and most controversial-shows of the year. It was no surprise that the news of Season 2's May 2018 release continued to get a lot of attention.

The drama-mystery centers on a high school student who died by suicide and leaves behind 13 audiotapes for people she blames for her action. Season 2 picks up as the community tries to deal with emotional and legal fallout from the suicide.

Raising Awareness-and Risk?

Fans of the series say it increases much-needed awareness about teen suicide, which is currently the second leading cause of death for children and young people 10 to 24 years old. In addition to graphic portrayal of suicide, the show also focuses on bullying and cyberbullying, underage drinking, sexual assault, guns in the home, and other topics that can serve a tool to start discussions.

But some experts warn the show may do more harm than good. Although the series is fictional, teens can be impulsive and emotional. Watching a character decide suicide is the best option might trigger them to do the same. Researchers found a significant spike in internet searches using terms such as "how to commit suicide" and "how to kill yourself" for 19 days following the release of season 1 of "13 Reasons Why."

Medical and mental health professionals also report teens listing their own 13 reasons why they wanted to kill themselves. Some families say they believe the show triggered their children to actually take their lives.

Critics of the show point to research that suggests exposure to a peer's suicide can have a "contagious" effect-especially among 12- to 13-year-olds. There is specific public health recommendations for reporting on suicide in the media that this series goes against:

Who's Watching?

The series is rated TV-MA (Mature Audience), appropriate for ages 17 and up, for its graphic violence, explicit sexual activity and crude language. But school officials and pediatricians say they're learning of children as young as elementary-school age who are binge watching the show-sometimes without parents knowing, because it can be streamed privately on their phones, tablets, and computers. Parents are often surprised to find out their child has watched the series.

"It has come up quite a bit when I've been talking to my patients, especially those who've been depressed or anxious," said Cora Breuner, MD, MPH, FAAP, a pediatrician and chair the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Adolescence. "Quite a few of them already watched '13 Reasons Why'-without the knowledge of their parents," Dr. Breuner said. "It's usually a major aha moment in my office, when the parents look at their kids and say, `Wait a minute, you watched that?'"

As a parent, it is your job to counsel your children and teens about smart and safe media use. Dr. Breuner said she also asks her patients (and their parents) how much time they spend on screens and what shows they watch.

Even if your child hasn't watched...

Parents should be aware that their child may hear friends talking about the show at school or on social media-even if they haven't seen it themselves. Regardless, Dr. Breuner said the series is "absolutely inappropriate" for children under age 13.

If you haven't watched the show, look up episode summaries and be prepared talk with your child about the ways fictional shows don't always reflect reality. Use the show as an opportunity to talk with your child about the very real situations teens face-and how your child can come to you with anything he or she may face in the future.

How to Help Teens Process the Show in a Safe & Healthy Way:

Despite concerns about '13 Reasons Why,' the show can serve as a powerful teaching tool with informed, adult guidance from parents, teachers, spiritual leaders, and others who work with teens.

What parents can do:

Co-view. The AAP media use guidelines encourage parents to co-viewing programs with their children and discuss values. This is especially important for shows such as '13 Reasons Why' with themes difficult to process and easy to misinterpret. Watching the show together lets parents pause and point out instances of cyberbullying, for example. Then parents can ask if their child has seen it happen at school, how he or she reacted, and what to do if it happens again. ​

Children in groups at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and actions should not watch the show alone, Dr. Breuner said. This includes kids with a family history of suicide, a history of physical or sexual abuse, mood disorders, and drug and alcohol use, and/or those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning.

Discuss reality vs. fiction. Explain that the show gives an unrealistic view of the help available for teens who may feel suicidal. In particular, the lack of effective mental health care provided to lead character, Hannah Baker, is both troubling and unrealistic. Statistics show that a large majority of the time, teens with suicidal thoughts and behaviors are in the grips of treatable mental illnesses, such as depression. In the show, Hannah voices clear suicidal warning signs to her school guidance counselor. Yet, the counselor failed to connect her with other professionals and resources for help and told her simply to "move on." Critics say this sends a dangerous message that adults can't help.

Play it safe. If your teen does watch the show, make an extra effort to watch him or her a little more closely afterwards-in a mindful, nurturing way. Know the signs of depression, such as withdrawing from friends or family, eating or sleeping less or more, or losing interest in activities.

If you have a gun in your home, make sure it is stored unloaded and locked up separately from ammunition. Studies have found the risk of suicide is 4 to 10 times higher in homes with guns than in those without. And although Hannah Baker uses a different method to end her life, suicide by firearms is now the second leading cause of death among teens 15-19. More than 80% of guns used in teen suicide attempts were kept in the home of the victim, a relative, or a friend.

Provide access to help. Give your child su​​​ggestions for whom he or she can turn to in times of need-including you, as well as other trusted adults. Your pediatrician can also help. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently recommended all children over age 12 be screened for depression at their annual wellness exams. For any immediate concerns about your child, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-TALK, or text START to 741741.

Keep in Mind:

It may feel uncomfortable to talk with your teen about some of the difficult issues raised in "13 Reasons Why," but talking about tough topics with teens is every bit as important as making sure a baby's bath water isn't too hot.

Remember to talk with your child's pediatrician if you have additional questions or concerns about your child's media use or mental health.

Additional Information & Resources:

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nettflix series~ 13 reasons why~ controversial show~ drama-mystery show~ high school student~ commits suicide~ teen suicide~ hannah baker~ blame for suicide~ rating for 13 reasons why~ guns and suicide~ razor blade suicide~ talking with your teen~ social

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Talking About 13 Reasons Why & Teen Suicide: Tips for Parents

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When the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why" premiered in March 2017, it quickly became one of the most watched-and most controversial-shows of the year. It was no surprise that the news of Season 2's May 2018 release continued to get a lot of attention.

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I chose this becasue it talks about someone helping someone else with depression

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I chose this becasue it talks about someone helping someone else with depression

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Mental Health in Schools: How Can Teens Support Each Other?

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This is about how school can help with suicide prevention

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This is about how school can help with suicide prevention

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Mental Health in Schools: How Can Teens Support Each Other?

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I chose this because it talks about how hard it is to talk to someone about suicide

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I chose this because it talks about how hard it is to talk to someone about suicide

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We know it's hard - maybe the hardest thing you've ever done, but talking to someone about suicide could be one of the most important conversations you'll ever have. If you're worried about someone, simply letting them know you care can make a huge difference.

If you've noticed that a friend or loved one hasn't been themselves lately, if they're avoiding social situations, seem low or flat, or you just know something isn't right - it might be time to have a talk. You can find more information on some of the warning signs here.

Our research shows people who feel suicidal want you to listen to them and show you care. They need your support - you don't need to be a professional.

#YouCanTalk is a joint national campaign aimed at giving people the confidence to respond to friends and family when they need help and guide them to the right support services. Find out more about the collaborative campaign here.

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We know it's hard - maybe the hardest thing you've ever done, but talking to someone about suicide could be one of the most important conversations you'll ever have. If you're worried about someone, simply letting them know you care can make a huge difference.

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I chose this because it talks about the stigma of mental illnesses

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I chose this because it talks about the stigma of mental illnesses

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I chose this because it talks about the myths of suicide

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I chose this because it talks about the myths of suicide

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Myth: You have to be mentally ill to think about suicide.

Fact: Most people have thought of suicide from time to time and not all people who die by suicide have mental health problems at the time of death. However, many people who kill themselves do suffer with their mental health, typically to a serious degree. Sometimes it's known about before the person's death and sometimes not.

Myth: People who talk about suicide aren't serious and won't go through with it.

Fact: People who kill themselves have often told someone that they do not feel life is worth living or that they have no future. Some may have actually said they want to die. While it's possible that someone might talk about suicide as a way of getting the attention they need, it's vitally important to take anybody who talks about feeling suicidal seriously.

The majority of people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die; they do not want to live the life they have.

Myth: Once a person has made a serious suicide attempt, that person is unlikely to make another.

Fact: People who have tried to end their lives before are significantly more likely to eventually die by suicide than the rest of the population.

Myth: If a person is serious about killing themselves then there is nothing you can do.

Fact: Often, feeling actively suicidal is temporary, even if someone has been feeling low, anxious or struggling to cope for a long period of time. This is why getting the right kind of support at the right time is so important.

Myth: Talking about suicide is a bad idea as it may give someone the idea to try it.

Fact: Suicide can be a taboo topic in society. Often, people feeling suicidal don't want to worry or burden anyone with how they feel and so they don't discuss it. By asking directly about suicide you give them permission to tell you how they feel. People who have felt suicidal will often say what a huge relief it is to be able to talk about what their experiencing. Once someone starts talking they've got a better chance of discovering other options to suicide.

Myth: Most suicides happen in the winter months.

Fact: Suicide is more common in the spring and summer months.

Myth: People who threaten suicide are just attention seeking and shouldn't be taken seriously.

Fact: People who threaten suicide should always be taken seriously. It may well be that they want attention in the sense of calling out for help, and giving them this attention may save their life.

Myth: People who are suicidal want to die.

Fact: The majority of people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die; they do not want to live the life they have. The distinction may seem small but is in fact very important and is why talking through other options at the right time is so vital.

About Samaritans

If you're concerned about suicidal thoughts, you can contact us anytime. We'll help you sort through your feelings, talk through your options and, hopefully, find a way forward.

You don't have to give your name, and you can talk for as long as you like.

To talk to us straight away, call 116 123. Emails take a bit longer to reply to, but sometimes it helps to try and write things down first. Email jo@samaritans.org.
Other ways to contact us
Related information

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Myth: You have to be mentally ill to think about suicide. Fact: Most people have thought of suicide from time to time and not all people who die by suicide have mental health problems at the time of death. However, many people who kill themselves do suffer with their mental health, typically to a serious degree.

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I Chose this because it relates to the topic

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I Chose this because it relates to the topic

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'Suffolk, Virginia, USA - October 30, 2012: A horizontal studio shot...

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'Suffolk, Virginia, USA - October 30, 2012: A horizontal studio shot of wooden Scrabble letters spelling out the words: Suicide Prevention. Isolated on a white background.'

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I chose this because it relates to the topic

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Download this Depressed Young Men photo now. And search more of iStock's library of royalty-free stock images that features Suicide photos available for quick and easy download.

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A businessman falling from the roof of his office...

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Falling, Businessman, Suicide, Building Exterior, Men Suicide, Falling, Building Exterior, Men, People, One Person, Bird, Black And White, Sky, Business, Silhouette, Flying, Skyscraper, Mid-Air, Architecture, Cloud - Sky, Death, Businessman, Day, Depression - Sadness, Failure, Flock Of Birds, Ideas, Photography, Adult, Adults Only, Anger, Animal Themes, Bankruptcy, Concepts & Topics, Corporate Business, Emotional Stress, Full Length, Horizontal, Large Group Of Animals, Low Angle View, Mental Health, Office Building Exterior, One Man Only, Only Men, Outdoors, Overworked, Physical Pressure, Rejection, Social Issues, Taking A Break, See all Browse top photo categories

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I chose this because it relates to the topic

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I chose this because it relates to the topic

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Download this Hanging Man Suicide photo now. And search more of iStock's library of royalty-free stock images that features Suicide photos available for quick and easy download.

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i chose this because it relates to the topic

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i chose this because it relates to the topic

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Two feet at the edge of a rooftop of a high building. A busy street...

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Download this Suicide About To Jump photo now. And search more of iStock's library of royalty-free stock images that features Suicide photos available for quick and easy download.