Fronteras

Sometimes I get the added bonus of learning a new skill or having a new experience while on assignment. For a story I did on off-highway vehicles, I rode a four-wheeler for the first (and only time). For a story I did on relocating snakes, I visited a snake den and held a gopher snake. Incidentally, I discovered I had a visceral reaction to snakes and passed out.

When I listened back to the tape, I could hear myself say: “Take it. Take it! TAAAKE IT!!!” And the thump as I hit the floor. And in the story on OHVs you can hear me squeal with delight as I discover how fast I can go.

Sometimes I actually learn something useful and important. As part of my recent story about suicide among Native Americans, I attended a suicide prevention workshop.

American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest rates of suicide compared to any other ethnic group in the United States. Suicide is a major, preventable public health problem.

In 2007, it was the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 34,598 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The overall rate was 11.3 suicide deaths per 100,000 people. An estimated 11 attempted suicides occur per every suicide death.

At the workshop I learned the signs or “invitations” as they called them. They said in almost every suicide, friends and family say there were cries for help they missed, dismissed or avoided. I wish I had learned them much earlier. My best friend in college attempted and fortunately didn’t complete killing herself. I’m just so grateful another friend was more vigilant.

I thought I would share the signs here: You may notice someone feeling desperate, hopeless, numb or ashamed. Maybe they’re moody, withdrawing, or abusing alcohol or drugs. You may hear someone say they feel alone or they have no purpose or they feel like they’re a burden or need an escape. Maybe they are in difficult situations where there’s abuse, rejection or loss.

Here’s the script the suicide prevention specialist suggested:

“Sometimes when people are missing work, worrying about things and withdrawing from friends and family, they are thinking about suicide. Are you thinking about suicide?”

“Let’s talk about this. This is important.”

“We need extra help. I want to connect you with someone who can help you keep safe.”

Here are a few resources:

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

American Association of Suicidology

International Association for Suicide Prevention

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

800-273-TALK (8255)