Guest Author - Rev. Jackie O´Neal S.T.M.

The recent shootings in Omaha, Nebraska undescored the results of untreated mood disorders. While it is true that the 19 year old shooter may have been diagnosed and treated at one time, it is clear he did not remain in treatment long enough to prevent the incomprehensible and tragic events.

Dr. Gary Collins wrote:"There is no more complete way to escape than to take one's own life. Suicide and suicide attempts are often seen among teenagers, people who live alone, the unmarried and persons who are depressed."

Recently, I read about some alarming statistics related to First Nation youth of Canada. Suicide rates among them are estimated to be seven times higher than non-aboriginal youth, according the Health Canada. A study among the Inuit demonstrated that suicide rates are eleven times higher than the national average. In addition, some aboriginal bands have suicide rates 800 times the national average.

Wrinch Memorial Hospital in British Columbia reported one hundred and eleven suicide attempts since 2007, however the estimates do not include unreported suicide attempts which increases the numbers significantly.

Sharon Robertson, CEO of Wrinch Memorial Hospital told the IPS News: "Our community has had historically high unemployment for the last eight years- almost 90 percent." She explained that the forestry industry had been affected very harshly contributing to unemployment rates.

The American Foundation For Suicide Prevention's mission includes understanding and preventing suicide through research and education. It is active in funding scientific research and educating the public about mood disorders and suicide prevention. They offer an extensive website and have excellent ranking with Charity Navigator, a renowned charity evaluator.

More statistics and information related to the U.S. :

National Statistics

General

Over 30,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year.
In 2004 (latest available date), there were 32,439 reported suicide deaths.
Suicide is fourth leading cause of death for adults between the ages of 18 and 65 years in the U.S., with approximately 26,500 suicides.
Currently, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States.
A person dies by suicide about every 16 minutes in the United States. An attempt is estimated to be made once every minute.
Ninety percent of all people who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death.
There are four male suicides for every female suicide, but twice as many females as males attempt suicide.
Every day, approximately 80 Americans take their own life, and 1,500 more attempt to do so.


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