Tragically, tens of thousands of Americans lose their lives to suicide every year, the statistics are alarming. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. More young adults aged 15-24 die by suicide than anything else with the exception of accidents. Every single day, the lives of 18 to 22 veterans are lost. These numbers are startling, but there is hope, with education and outreach and especially a reduction in stigma, that barrier that prevents wildland firefighters for asking for help, these statistics can change.
This time of year, between spring and early summer is the time when we have the highest number of attempted suicides and completed suicides across America. We don’t know why that is, there are several theories, one being that people are often faced with many challenges around the holidays and are able to muster through them with the expectation that things will get better in the Spring. When life does not improve, people can lose hope. People who are suicidal are in so much pain, they can see no other option. Suicide is often a taboo subject, people are uncomfortable discussing it and that leads to mistaken beliefs and myths surrounding suicide. Below are posted common myths about suicide
Myth: asking a wildland firefighter about his or her intention will encourage suicide or get the person to act on their intention. The reality is that people report a huge relief when others have asked them in a caring and direct manner about how they are feeling and what their intentions are. One of the reasons for completed suicides is that people feel isolated. Reaching out and showing you care is connecting.
Myth: wildland firefighters who talk about suicide won’t really take their life. Almost every person who takes their life gives some warning sign, either verbal or nonverbal. Saying things like, “you’ll miss me,” giving away possessions are indications that a wildland firefighter is serious about taking his/her life. Pay attention to the warning signs of suicide.
Myth: If a wildland firefighter has made the decision to end their life, nothing can stop them. This is untrue, most suicidal people feel very conflicted between wanting to end the pain and wanting to live. This is where we can offer hope.
Myth: Wildland firefighters who die by completing suicide were unwilling to get help. More than 50% of people who take their lives had been to a doctor or other medical professional in the last six months of their lives. There is always possibility to intervene to save a life.
Myth: Wildland firefighters who take their lives are “crazy or weak.” We know that most people who complete suicide are not insane or psychotic, most are suffering from depression, grief-stricken, or suffering from the sights, sounds, smells of traumatic events and are experiencing extreme emotional and/or physical pain. Oftentimes, the suicidal person has been hanging on so long, they are exhausted emotionally. It is a sign of strength to seek help.
Myth: There is no link between alcohol abuse, drug abuse and suicide. People who attempt and complete suicide are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Alcohol and drugs can lower a person’s inhibitions and increase their impulsivity.
As we increase our understanding of suicide, we increase the chances that we can help and offer hope. Suicide prevention, saving lives, starts with everyday interactions of compassion with the wildland firefighters we know and love.
