Suicide still on the rise – but help is available

Suicide continues to rise in the United States and Wyoming continues to top the list in the number of deaths per capita by suicide.

“In 2022, Wyoming saw a drop in the number of people who died by suicide but, yet, per capita, we remain at the top nationally. We are experiencing an unprecedented mental health crisis in our country – and here in Crook County, we aren’t immune to it,” says Katie Allen, Crook County Prevention Specialist.

“If anything, our residents are struggling in silence. Those that we’ve lost to suicide, and those that are left behind to pick up the pieces, need help, and we as a community need to learn the signs of someone in crisis and how we individually can help someone who is struggling.” 

According to data released this month by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), suicide deaths nationwide declined in 2019 and 2020 but then began to increase again – by 5% in 2021 and 2.6% in 2022.

A total of 49,449 Americans died by suicide in 2022.

The situation is particularly dire in Wyoming. This state has seen the most suicide deaths per capita in the nation for the last few years.

The CDC records 32.2 deaths by suicide per 100,000 people in 2021, 30.5 per 100,000 people in 2020 and 29.3 per 100,000 people in 2019.

Wyoming has led the statistics since 2018, when it rose from its 2017 third-place position.

“[This] report underscores the depths of the devastating mental health crisis in America. Mental health has become the defining public health and societal challenge of our time. Far too many people and their families are suffering and feeling alone,” said U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D., M.B.A.

“These numbers are a sobering reminder of how urgent it is that we further expand access to mental health care, address the root causes of mental health struggles and recognize the importance of checking on and supporting one another.”

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available to anyone in Wyoming who is experiencing a crisis or having suicidal thoughts, this month reached its first anniversary in Wyoming. In July, 2022, the nation transitioned to the simplified number and the state began offering full-time, Wyoming-based coverage 24 hours per day.

Since that time, according to a statement from Governor Mark Gordon, crisis workers have taken more than 4200 calls and 99.8% of those did not require law enforcement or EMS intervention.

“These statistics are very encouraging,” Gordon said. “The fact we are receiving more calls reflects the importance of this service – and the fact that the vast majority are handled without having to rely on law enforcement or EMS underscores the effectiveness and value of the lifeline. Wyoming is taking some positive steps in addressing the issue of suicide, but there is more work to be done.”

The Wyoming State Legislature has not yet established a permanent funding source for the lifeline, which is currently funded through June, 2025, primarily with federal COVID-19 emergency funds.

“I look forward to further useful suggestions and fruitful discussions about how Wyoming can sustainably fund this important resource going forward,” Governor Gordon said. “We are still losing too many of our neighbors.”

After hosting Mental Health Summits in October, 2022, and in April, the Governor’s Mental Health Task Force also plans to host a series of town halls for later this year to engage members of the public.

In the meantime, Allen offers advice on spotting the signs of a person in crisis.

“We are all going to memorize 988, right? Let’s also remember some signs to pay attention to. For example, if someone you know has new behaviors such as increased use of alcohol or drugs, perhaps they have isolated themselves and withdrawn from activities they previously enjoyed, maybe they are sleeping too much (or too little) and they are also giving away prized possessions, these are all behaviors to look for,” she says.

“These behaviors very likely will coincide with a change in their mood such as depression, anxiety, loss of interest or perhaps they are angry. Again, these are things that are different from that person’s usual behavior.”

If you hear someone talking about killing themselves, having no reason to live or being a burden, Allen cautions that these should be addressed right away. Don’t write it off as hormones or attention-seeking if dealing with a teenager, she adds, because teenagers are experiencing mental health crises at an all-time high, even in Crook County.

“This is the time when you ask someone if you can help, if you can listen, if you can call or text 988 with them, if you can contact someone in their life who they would be willing to talk to,” she says.

“You don’t have to be trained to show compassion. You just need to provide a nonjudgmental ear and let someone talk.”

If you believe someone you care about may be in crisis, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline suggest five steps to help.

Ask – talking about suicide may reduce suicidal ideation.

Help keep them safe – reduce access to lethal means.

Be there – limiting a person’s isolation and increasing their connectedness has been shown to be a protective factor against suicide.

Help them connect – individuals who called the 988 Lifeline were significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed and more hopeful.

Follow up – after connecting someone with immediate support systems, following up can increase their feelings of connectedness and support; evidence suggests even a simple form of reaching out can potentially reduce a person’s risk for suicide.

“If you or a loved one are in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, please know that your life matters and that you are not alone,” said Murthy.

“The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone who needs help.”

Crook County Prevention’s Be Well Coalition lists local and national resources on these topics and more https://www.crookcountyprevention.com/suicide-prevention/ and https://www.crookcountyprevention.com/local-national-resources/.