South Middlesex Times

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that suicide was the 11th leading cause of death overall in the United States, with more than 48,000 lives lost to suicide in 2021.

While national rates declined from 2018 through 2020 from a previous 18-year high of 14.2 deaths per 100,000 citizens, suicide remained the second-leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 14, 15 to 24, 25 to 34, and 35 to 44. The total number of suicides nearly returned to their peak in 2021.

New Jersey now has the lowest suicide rate in the nation, with about 7.1 suicides per 100,000 people, partly due to the resources available for individuals in crisis.

“A transformation in our nation’s crisis continuum is unfolding,” said William Zimmermann, director of crisis services at the National Call Center at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care. “Our collective goal remains the same: Zero deaths by suicide. A single life lost is too many.”

During National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Zimmermann discussed how people and communities can continue aiding in suicide prevention.

Zimmermann explained that "988 is a three-digit dialing code for anyone in the United States, territories and tribal regions who is in a suicidal, mental health or substance-abuse crisis." He added that it went live in July 2022 as a result of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 and is funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and administered by Vibrant Emotional Health. Federal funding has increased the number of trained counselors available to provide support for callers in crisis.

In its first two years, "988 answered over ten million texts, calls and chats after the Biden-Harris Administration invested over $1.5 billion in the nation’s crisis continuum," Zimmermann noted. Multiple national subnetworks are now available for specific needs such as veterans or LGBTQI+ youth.

Since its inception, texts to "988 increased by over fifty-one percent," while calls increased by thirty-four percent. Chat volume decreased by twenty-one percent. Zimmermann highlighted that "988 will not only provide better access to crisis care for underserved populations such as those in rural areas and communities of color," but it will also redirect mental health crisis responses away from law enforcement toward trained mental health professionals.

Zimmermann emphasized that everyone can participate in suicide prevention: "Family, friends and acquaintances should be alert for signs an individual is contemplating suicide." He recommended visiting Vibrant Emotional Health’s site bethe1to.com for information on supporting someone in suicidal crisis.

He addressed common misperceptions about suicides happening without warning: "Often the person suffering has attempted to communicate his or her distress or plans to someone else." Direct questions about suicide can initiate important conversations and help-seeking processes.

Zimmermann identified several signs indicating someone might be suicidal: increased substance abuse, anxiety, agitation, difficulty sleeping or dramatic mood changes; feelings of hopelessness; social withdrawal; uncontrolled anger; reckless behavior; talking about wanting to hurt or kill themselves; threatening self-harm; or attempting to find methods for self-harm.

If encountering someone suspected of being suicidal, Zimmermann advised expressing concern directly: “You can say ‘I care about you... Are you having thoughts about suicide?’” He stressed avoiding judgmental responses and seeking immediate support if necessary through mental health professionals or "988."

Zimmermann also addressed public misperceptions about suicide: "Not all who die by or attempt suicide have a mental illness," he clarified. Asking directly about suicide does not implant ideas but opens up opportunities for sharing pain previously borne alone.

To reduce stigma around seeking help for mental health conditions, Zimmermann advocated education and open discussion: “Each year over one in five Americans will experience a mental health illness.” He concluded that increased attention could help reduce both stigma associated with mental illness and suffering among affected individuals.