September brings suicide awareness, prevention

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, with National Suicide Prevention Week running from Sept. 5-11.

In 2019, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. In Gordon County, it’s even higher, coming in at the third most common cause of premature death.

According to a community health assessment by the Northwest Georgia Public Health, there were 14 suicide deaths in Gordon County in 2018, and 37 emergency room visits relating to suicide attempts.

Counties with “higher unemployment, poverty, percentage of adults who did not complete high school, mortality rates, and prevalence of disability,” often see higher rates of poor mental health as well, according to Northwest GA Public Health.

Suicide affects every group of individuals differently. Different demographics may face higher or lower suicide risk due to a variety of factors.

Suicide is more prevalent among men, with most deaths in Gordon County and countrywide being men. Eleven of the 14 suicide deaths that occurred in Gordon County in 2018 were men.

Suicide rates are often higher among populations such as the LGBT community, as well, with a four times increase for non-transgender individuals and a 12 times increase for transgender individuals.

Veterans also face a higher risk of suicide. According to a 2019 report by Veterans Affairs, veterans face a suicide rates 1.5 times higher than the national average, with the risk being highest within three years of discharge.