(Salt Lake City, UT) – A series
of new reports from the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) are a startling
reminder of the tragic loss too many Utah families experience with suicide. In
2012, 545 Utahns took their own lives, up from 456 in 2011. The state’s suicide
rate has been consistently higher than the U.S. rate for more than a decade and
is the 7th highest in the country.
In 2010, suicide was Utah’s 6th leading cause of death.
“Suicide is one of
those things that can be uncomfortable to talk about,” said Teresa Betzer, UDOH
Violence and Injury Prevention Program. “But the data show this is a problem we
can’t ignore any longer. We all can play a role in preventing suicide.” Betzer says many Utahns would be surprised to
learn how many people close to them have dealt with the issue.
Since 2010, an average of 501
Utahns died from suicide and 3,968 more were hospitalized or treated in an
emergency department due to injuries from a suicide attempt each year. The data show that men ages 25-64
account for more than half (56.2%) of all suicide deaths in Utah, followed by
women ages 25-64 (17.2%), young adults ages 18-24 (11.8%), older adults ages
65+ (10.7%), and youth ages 10-17 (4.0%). While males had higher rates of
suicide death than females, more females attempt suicide than males. Youth and
young adults were also more likely to attempt suicide.
The data also point
to age-specific circumstances and stressors surrounding risk for suicide deaths
in Utah. For example, adult females had significantly higher rates of
diagnosed mental
illness, job problems, and death of a close family member or friend, while adult
males were more likely to have alcohol and financial problems.
Among youth and
young adults, the data show many experience relationship problems, including
intimate partner relationship difficulties. Young adult males also had higher
rates of substance abuse
problems and a history of suicide attempts. Older adults were more likely to suffer
from physical health problems that may have prompted the suicide.
To draw further
attention to this issue, Governor Gary R. Herbert set aside today, May 22,
2014, as a day dedicated to the prevention of suicide. Agencies throughout the
state have come together to develop a plan to decrease the number of suicide
attempts and deaths in Utah. Led by the
Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition, these efforts include assessing suicide
risk, referring those at risk for suicide to prevention resources, intervention
and treatment, and providing support to survivors, family members and
communities.
“The goal is for
all Utahns to recognize that treatment and intervention work. Suicide is a
public health problem and is preventable,” said Betzer. “If you or someone you
know is having suicidal thoughts or talking about suicide, know that help is
available.”
"Everyone plays a role in suicide
prevention," said Kim Myers, Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Utah
Department of Human Services. "We encourage all Utahns to learn the
warning signs, help others who are struggling, call the prevention lines and,
ultimately, save a life."
All suicidal
thoughts, behaviors, and attempts should be taken seriously. Get help 24/7 by calling the Statewide CrisisLine at 801-587-3000 or the National Suicide
Prevention LifeLine at 1-800-273-TALK.
Help is also available online at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Trained consultants will provide free and
confidential crisis counseling to anyone in need.
To download the
suicide data reports visit health.utah.gov/vipp/suicide/.
The Utah Department of Human Services
works to ensure children, families and adults in Utah communities are receiving
the services they need to lead safe and healthy lives. For more information, and to find services in your area,
visit hs.utah.gov.
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The mission of the Utah Department of
Health is to protect the public's health through preventing avoidable illness,
injury, disability and premature death, assuring access to affordable, quality
health care, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
