Celeb suicides highlight troubling trend in midlife
CHICAGO — The deaths of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain and fashion designer Kate Spade highlight a troubling trend — rising suicides among middle-aged Americans.
Mental health problems, often undiagnosed, are usually involved and experts say knowing warning signs and who is at risk can help stop a crisis from becoming a tragedy.
Bourdain, 61, and Spade, 55, died three days and a continent apart this week amid a new U.S. report showing an uptick in suicides rates in nearly every state since 1999. Middleaged adults — ages 45 to 64 — had the largest rate increase, according to the report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Previous studies have suggested economic downturns and the nation’s opioid crisis contributed to the rise in middle-aged suicides.
Dr. Christine Moutier, a psychiatrist and chief medical officer for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, said Friday it’s important for everyone to know the warning signs and to intervene when family members, friends or coworkers appear troubled. Asking if they’ve had suicidal thoughts is not harmful and lets them know you care, she said.
Behavior that may indicate someone is suicidal includes:
— Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, a burden to others or wanting to die.
— Unusual mood swings or withdrawing from family, friends and usual activities.
— Giving away important possessions.
— Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
This week’s report found that many suicides were in people with no known mental illness. But Dr. Joshua Gordon, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, said that contradicts years of data, suggesting many have “gone undiagnosed and untreated. It’s very troubling.”
Gordon said doctors need to ask patients at every opportunity about their mental health and evaluate their risk for suicide.
“When you ask everybody and not just people you might suspect, you double the number you detect,” he said.
Gordon noted that psychotherapy and certain psychiatric drugs have been shown to reduce suicidal tendencies.
Moutier of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, said that suicides can be “contagious” — hearing about one may make others who are already at risk turn to self-harm. She said celebrity suicides also typically prompt an increase in calls to suicide help lines.
“People should know that suicide is preventable. Anyone contemplating suicide should know that help is available, and that there is no shame in seeking care for your mental health,” Dr. Altha Stewart of the American Psychiatric Association said in a statement.
GAME ON VBS
WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to noon today through Friday WHERE: Immanuel Southern Baptist Church, corner of 24th Street and Kennedy Lane GOING ON: Children ages 4 through 6th grade are invited to Game On vacation Bible school; crafts, Bible stories, snacks; free INFO: To pre-register, call (928) 726-5953
SUMMER SCIENCE CAMP
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today; 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday WHERE: AWC Yuma Campus, 2020 S. Avenue 8E GOING ON: Camp will focus on microbiology, chemistry and geography; participants must be 13 or older; students under 18 must be signed in and out by a parent or legal guardian COST: $30 per participant INFO: Contact Regina at (928) 344-7656; to register, call AWC Downtown Center at (928) 317-7674
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon WHERE: Main Library, 2951 S. 21st Drive GOING ON: Learn a cultural dance and language honoring the islands of Hawaii; learn the history, storytelling and basic foot movements associated with Hawaiian cultural dance, hula; all ages welcome, free
PUBLIC MEETING
WHEN: 9 to 11 a.m. WHERE: Yuma County Public Health Auditorium, 2200 W. 28th St. GOING ON: The Yuma County Local Emergency Planning Committee will have a regular meeting INFO: Contact Tony Badilla, emergency management director/ LEPC coordinator at tony.badilla@ yumacountyaz.gov
TAIKO DRUM PERFORMANCES
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. WHERE: Foothills Library, 13226 E. South Frontage Road GOING ON: Learn about the ancient music and culture surrounding Japanese taiko drums when drummer Eileen Morgan visits; all ages welcome, free
TAIKO DRUM PERFORMANCES
WHEN: 2 p.m. WHERE: Dateland Library, 1300 S. Avenue 64E
HANSON, GONZALEZ FUNDRAISER
WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. WHERE: FTS Auto Center, 1845 S. Arizona Ave. GOING ON: The family is in need due to an unexpected death in the family; meal includes a grilled chicken dinner with all the trimmings; the W.I.N.O. (Workers In Name Only) group and assistance of others is sponsoring event COST: $6 INFO: Contact Rosalie Mercado at romurkydo@roadrunner.com or call (928) 257-5345
TEEN BORDER PATROL BOOT CAMP
WHEN: Noon WHERE: San Luis Library, 1075 N. 6th Ave. GOING ON: Teens ages 13-18 can participate in stretches, mild exercises and learn the importance of healthy eating and staying hydrated; registration required and permission slips must be turned in before the time of event; permission slips available at all libraries; free
FLAG DAY
WHEN: 6 p.m. WHERE: American Legion Post 19, back patio area, 2575 S. Virginia Drive GOING ON: Flag Day ceremony will include a dignified disposal of unservicable flags by flame; free