Suicide Prevention Help Is Available

Thousands of people needlessly die each year in the United States because they end their own lives. But suicide prevention resources are only a phone call away.

Unfortunately, a slew of such tragedies and one publicized attempt hit home in recent months.

• Chesterfield Township police deployed a Taser gun Thursday to prevent a resident from cutting his throat.

• A week earlier, Sterling Heights police and the medical examiner reported that a body found near a retention pond was identified as Chesterfield resident Karen Cernak. Police said several empty pill bottles and a suicide note were discovered.

• On March 19, search parties found Shelby Township resident Michelle DeGrace's body in Washington Township. Authorities said she died of a self-inflicted wound.

• In February, Chesterfield police said a 36-year-old township man waited on train tracks in the 23 Mile and Gratiot area to end his life.

• In late January, a 77-year-old Chesterfield resident at 23 Mile and I-94, according to police.

Facts, Statistics

According to Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, also known as SAVE:

• Nearly 30,000 people commit suicide each year in the U.S.
• Suicide rates are highest in spring.
• The strongest risk factor for suicide is depression.
• There are twice as many deaths due to suicide than HIV/AIDS.
• Between 1952 and 1995, suicide in young adults nearly tripled.
• More than half of all suicides occur in adult men, ages 25-65.
• There's an 80% success rate for people treated for depression.

Warning Signs

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline cites the following behaviors as some warning signs of suicide:

• Threatening or talking about hurting or killing oneself.
• Increase in reckless behavior, such as alcohol or drug use.
• Talking or writing about death or suicide when that's uncharacteristic for someone.
• Seeking firearms or other ways to kill oneself.
• Withdrawing from loved ones.
• Feeling trapped or that life has no purpose.

Help Is Here

For anyone concerned their loved one is contemplating suicide, or for people considering suicide, resources are available to show there are better days ahead.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK is available to speak with anyone in emotional distress or those who know someone suffering. Trained counselors are there around the clock to answer calls and provide information on local mental services.

In New Baltimore, at 35031 23 Mile offers mental health treatment for youths and adults. For more information, call 800-537-7924.