Department of Social Services ... educational programs, community outreach and media efforts. ... Deaths by suicide occu
The Coalition
Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services
Our Mission:
To increase the coordination of suicide prevention and awareness activities in Chesterfield. Our goal is to educate the public though educational programs, community outreach and media efforts.
Suicide Facts & Figures BASED ON 2015 DATA FROM THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SUICIDOLOGY
Suicide in the United States Someone in the U.S. dies by suicide every 11.9 minutes. Deaths by suicide occur almost 3 times as often as deaths by homicide, 44,193 vs. 15,696 respectively. For every person that dies by suicide, roughly 25 more attempt suicide.
Suicide in the United States An estimated 1 out of 21 Americans is a survivor of suicide loss. 90% of people who die by suicide are suffering from one or more psychiatric disorders such as: Major Depressive Disorder Bipolar Disorder (depressive phase) Alcohol or Substance Abuse Schizophrenia Personality Disorders
Suicide in Virginia 1,118 deaths by suicide in 2015. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth, not far behind automobile accidents. Virginia is ranked 39th in number of suicide deaths. Over half of reported suicides were by firearm.
Suicide in Chesterfield County (Based on 2014 data from the office of the Chief Medical Examiner, VA Dept. of Health)
49 suicide deaths were reported in Chesterfield. Exceeds the statewide suicide rate : Chesterfield 14.7 deaths/100k individuals Virginia 13 deaths/100k individuals
Virginia is No. 38 Among States in Mental Health Ranking (Based on article by Sarah Kleiner in RTD 10/25/2016)
Virginia was downgraded from 27th in 2011 to 38th in 2016 in the category that considers the numbers of its residents who have mental illness and their ability to access care. Virginia is 48th among states in 2016 in treating youth who are suffering from major depression. Only 1 out of 4 youth is treated.
A few signs to listen for: Hearing certain statements, such as: “Life isn’t worth living.” “My family would be better off without me.” “Next time I’ll take enough pills to do the job right.” “I won’t be around to deal with that.” “You’ll be sorry when I’m gone.” “I won’t be in your way much longer.”
A few signs to look for: Suddenly getting affairs in order (changing a will, paying off debts) Giving away prized possessions Depressed mood/feelings of hopelessness Change in sleeping patterns Fluctuations in weight and/or appetite Loss of interest/pleasure in usual activities Feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach, or guilt
Signs on Social Media: Cyberbullying: Harassing messages or comments Fake accounts to impersonate an individual and shame them Deliberate posting of unwanted images of another person
Negative statements about themselves: “I’m a waste of space,” “No one cares about me,” “I seriously hate myself.”
Negative leading statements that lack clarity: “You wouldn’t believe what I’ve been through,” “Today was the worst day ever,” “It’s like everyone is against me.”
Ask the Question Directly: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” or “Are you thinking about suicide?”
If someone confirms having thoughts of suicide: Ask follow-up questions • Have they made/enacted a plan? • Do they have access to a firearm or other lethal items? • Have they attempted suicide in the past? • Are there any resources they have utilized?
There are nearby resources available: Chesterfield County Mental Health Support Services Crisis Line Available 24/7
804-748-6356
Also available 24/7 1-800-273-(8255)
Text 741741 When In Crisis Visit crisistextline.org to learn more about this service
