JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health says Americans are now more likely to die by their own doing than in a vehicle crash.
According to
this research, suicide has leapfrogged its way to the leading cause of injury death.
Denise Marzullo, the executive director of Mental Health America of Northeast Florida, isn’t surprised.
“Our suicide rates keep increasing every year. Locally, our rates are highest among the entire state,” said Marzullo.
Marzullo says suicide rates are on the rise among all age groups.
Researchers found in the past 10 years, death by suicide has increased 15 percent. In the same period, fatal vehicle crashes are down 25 percent.
Marzullo doesn’t think it’s a coincidence this shift happened in the middle of a recession.
"When you have a poor economy, you have financial trouble, you end up getting divorced, people can feel overwhelmed in these situations. They feel like they just can't handle all the stress they're under,” Marzullo said.
And she added with September being “Suicide Prevention Month,” there’s seemingly no better time than now to get the word out that there is help out there for those who need it.
"As family members, as friends, as co-workers, as colleagues, we all need to be looking out for one another. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of suicide and some of the risk factors associated with that. Then, try to get them help,” said Marzullo.
For tips and suicide prevention resources in our area go to www.mhahjax.org.
