World Suicide Prevention Day: Doctor reflects on suicide numbers during pandemic

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — World Suicide Prevention Day brings awareness to a topic that is rather hard to talk about.

In the midst of a pandemic, the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and tension in the Middle East; we’re reminded to check in on our loved ones.

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According to the American Federation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.

Researchers said more than 54% of Americans have been affected by suicide.

Those numbers come from data pre-pandemic.

“We really need to focus our attention on this very, very serious topic,” LSF Health Systems CEO Dr. Christine Cauffield said.

Dr. Cauffield said the past year-and-a-half hasn’t made things better, so those pre-pandemic numbers may be higher.

According to Dr. Cauffield, both younger and older populations have seen a spike in suicide numbers.

“It’s been a very profound effect. We have seen more domestic violence incidents. We’ve seen more usage of alcohol and other drugs,” Dr. Cauffield said.

She said she’s seen a spike in clinical depression. The increase in diagnoses goes hand-in-hand with completed suicide.

“We have been in a state, frankly, in these last 18 months of chronic grief, chronic stress and profound change. Our lives have changed drastically,” Dr. Cauffield said.

Suicide isn’t a stranger to Florida. Pre-pandemic numbers put it as the eight leading cause of death in the state, the third leading cause of death for ages 10-24, and the second leading cause of death for ages 25-34.

That’s why it’s important to address an already prominent problem in an even more troubling time.

“If there has been a silver lining to this pandemic, it has been that it’s truly raised awareness to the importance of minding our mental health,” Dr. Cauffield said.

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In 2019, the suicide rate was 1.5 times higher for veterans over the age of 18.

Director of Wounded Warrior Project’s Warrior Care Network, Erin Fletcher said the transition out of deployment can be difficult.

“Sometimes, veterans report feeling a sense of lack of purpose, a sense of hopelessness. What do I do now?” Fletcher said.

In the midst of other triggering events, it’s not just the pandemic causing grief in people.

“With the anniversary of 9/11, with the issues going on in Afghanistan. Lots of triggers for our veterans,” Dr. Cauffield said.

“Making sure if you know a veteran in your life that you are making yourself available to provide them with that support,” Fletcher said.

So on this World Suicide Prevention day, Dr. Cauffield said it’s important to check in with others.

“If you’re thinking that you have a loved one, a friend, a neighbor, a colleague, that is thinking about suicide, to ask the question: ‘I’m really worried about you, are you thinking about taking your own life?’” Dr. Cauffield said.

LSF Health Systems has a 24/7 phone line for people struggling with mental illness. You can call 877-299-9098 for help.

Other studies suggest overall suicide numbers have gone down over the last year. COVID-19 has now entered the list for the leading causes of death.

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