Ilovethaifood's news and musings redux

Lounge
1

I’m not very proud of how my previous thread regarding news and musings turned out as later in the thread I was unmedicated. That being said I thought I’d give it another shot as opposed to polluting other threads with a clutter of thoughts. Anyone and everyone is more than welcome to chime in or comment on anything. The only think I’d like to implicitly state is that there he no insults or name calling.

Differing opinions are welcomed and discussion is encouraged. Also follow the forum guidelines, no talk of religious beliefs (though I won’t flag anyone who comments about praying for another), political discussion should be kept to a minimum and avoided if possible. Certain news articles may spark a few some political commentary by other though I will do my best to not initiate this or continue such a discussion. I hope I get approval from the mods, otherwise I’ll forgo adding current news that may be viewed as political commentary. Strictly no encouraging delusions although posting about shared delusions is not prohibited.

Maybe it could be an experiment. Personal insults will likely be flagged, although probably not by me. Mainly let’s be civilized. Let’s get this started.

First off, I’d like to share a few statistics that may be triggering. This is not my intention, my intention is to offer awareness about a tragic problem that has been increasing steadily over the past 10 years.

Edit: Fair warning, some posts will be long. I hope to share valuable information though don’t blame me if some nonsensical humor is added somewhere in the future. Also, I don’t expect everyone to read this, much less every single post, however if you have a point you’d like to argue, I’d suggest reading over at least the post you’d like to discuss an argument about. This thread is also intended to provide something to read over if there is not much else going on as well as when the forums slowdown and you might feel like browsing over some stuff. Also of note, though statistics, facts, and articles may be posted, any comments will largely be base on opinions and are not endorsed by moderators or any schizophrenia.com personnel.

2 Likes
2

Suicide is a tragic occurrence. The following link will show some statistics regarding it’s increase and what ages have shown a larger increase. I think it is important to share and discuss how some of us have had to battle with this. I hope for some positivity and advice on how to overcome such thoughts. This post is anti suicide in a way. I hope it helps at least one person.

First off, if you are currently feeling suicidal seek help, here is a U.S. national suicide prevention phone number that can be dialed 24 hours a day.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255
Available 24 hours everyday

If anyone would like to share suicide prevention phone number for any country you are more than welcome to do so.

Here are the statistics,

3

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db330.htm

4

Key findings

Data from the National Vital Statistics System, Mortality

  • From 1999 through 2017, the age-adjusted suicide rate increased 33% from 10.5 to 14.0 per 100,000.
  • Suicide rates were significantly higher in 2017 compared with 1999 among females aged 10–14 (1.7 and 0.5, respectively), 15–24 (5.8 and 3.0), 25–44 (7.8 and 5.5), 45–64 (9.7 and 6.0), and 65–74 (6.2 and 4.1).
  • Suicide rates were significantly higher in 2017 compared with 1999 among males aged 10–14 (3.3 and 1.9, respectively), 15–24 (22.7 and 16.8), 25–44 (27.5 and 21.6), 45–64 (30.1 and 20.8) and 65–74 (26.2 and 24.7).
  • In 2017, the age-adjusted suicide rate for the most rural (noncore) counties was 1.8 times the rate for the most urban (large central metro) counties (20.0 and 11.1 per 100,000, respectively).
5

Since 2008, suicide has ranked as the 10th leading cause of death for all ages in the United States (1). In 2016, suicide became the second leading cause of death for ages 10–34 and the fourth leading cause for ages 35–54 (1). Although the Healthy People 2020 target is to reduce suicide rates to 10.2 per 100,000 by 2020 (2), suicide rates have steadily increased in recent years (3,4). This data brief uses final mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) to update trends in suicide mortality from 1999 through 2017 and to describe differences by sex, age group, and urbanization level of the decedent’s county of residence.

6

From 1999 through 2017, suicide rates increased for both males and females, with greater annual percentage increases occurring after 2006.

  • From 1999 through 2017, the age-adjusted suicide rate increased 33% from 10.5 per 100,000 standard population to 14.0 (Figure 1). The rate increased on average by about 1% per year from 1999 through 2006 and by 2% per year from 2006 through 2017.
  • For males, the rate increased 26% from 17.8 in 1999 to 22.4 in 2017. The rate did not significantly change from 1999 to 2006, then increased on average by about 2% per year from 2006 through 2017.
  • For females, the rate increased 53% from 4.0 in 1999 to 6.1 in 2017. The rate increased on average by 2% per year from 1999 through 2007 and by 3% per year from 2007 through 2017.
7

Suicide rates for females aged 10–74 were higher in 2017 than in 1999.

  • Suicide rates for females were highest for those aged 45–64 in both 1999 (6.0 per 100,000) and 2017 (9.7) (Figure 2).
  • Suicide rates were significantly higher in 2017 compared with 1999 among females aged 10–14 (1.7 and 0.5, respectively), 15–24 (5.8 and 3.0), 25–44 (7.8 and 5.5), 45–64 (9.7 and 6.0), and 65–74 (6.2 and 4.1).
  • The suicide rate in 2017 for females aged 75 and over (4.0) was significantly lower than the rate in 1999 (4.5).
8

Suicide rates for males aged 10–74 were higher in 2017 than in 1999.

  • Suicide rates for males were highest for those aged 75 and over in both 1999 (42.4 per 100,000) and 2017 (39.7) (Figure 3)
  • Suicide rates were significantly higher in 2017 compared with 1999 among males aged 10–14 (3.3 and 1.9, respectively), 15–24 (22.7 and 16.8), 25–44 (27.5 and 21.6), 45–64 (30.1 and 20.8), and 65–74 (26.2 and 24.7).
  • The suicide rate in 2017 for males aged 75 and over (39.7) was significantly lower than the rate in 1999 (42.4).
9

The difference in age-adjusted suicide rates between the most rural and most urban counties was greater in 2017 than in 1999.

  • In both 1999 and 2017, the age-adjusted suicide rate increased with decreasing urbanization (Figure 4). In 1999, the age-adjusted suicide rate for the most rural (noncore) counties (13.1 per 100,000) was 1.4 times the rate for the most urban (large central metro) counties (9.6). This difference increased in 2017, with the suicide rate for the most rural counties (20.0 per 100,000) increasing to 1.8 times the rate for the most urban counties (11.1).
  • The age-adjusted suicide rate for the most urban counties in 2017 (11.1 per 100,000) was 16% higher than the rate in 1999 (9.6).
  • The age-adjusted suicide rate for the most rural counties in 2017 (20.0 per 100,000) was 53% higher than the rate in 1999 (13.1).
10

Summary

This report highlights trends in suicide rates from 1999 through 2017. During this period, the age-adjusted suicide rate increased 33% from 10.5 per 100,000 in 1999 to 14.0 in 2017. The average annual percentage increase in rates accelerated from approximately 1% per year from 1999 through 2006 to 2% per year from 2006 through 2017. The age-adjusted rate of suicide among females increased from 4.0 per 100,000 in 1999 to 6.1 in 2017, while the rate for males increased from 17.8 to 22.4. Compared with rates in 1999, suicide rates in 2017 were higher for males and females in all age groups from 10 to 74 years. The differences in age-adjusted suicide rates between the most rural (noncore) and most urban (large central metro) counties was greater in 2017 than in 1999. In 1999, the age-adjusted suicide rate for the most rural counties (13.1 per 100,000) was 1.4 times the rate for the most urban counties (9.6), while in 2017, the age-adjusted suicide rate for the most rural counties (20.0) was 1.8 times the rate for the most urban counties (11.1). The age-adjusted suicide rate for the most urban counties in 2017 (11.1 per 100,000) was 16% higher than the rate in 1999 (9.6), while the rate for the most rural counties in 2017 (20.0) was 53% higher than the rate in 1999 (13.1).

11

About the authors

Holly Hedegaard is with the National Center for Health Statistics, Office of Analysis and Epidemiology, and Sally C. Curtin and Margaret Warner are with the National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Vital Statistics.

References

    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC WISQARS: Leading causes of death reports, 1981–2016 .
  2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy People 2020: Mental health status improvement 2010 external icon.
  3. Hedegaard H, Curtin SC, Warner M. Suicide rates in the United States continue to increasepdf icon. NCHS Data Brief, no 309. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2018
  4. Curtin SC, Warner M, Hedegaard H. Increase in suicide in the United States, 1999–2014pdf icon. NCHS Data Brief, no 241. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2016
  5. National Center for Health Statistics. Public-use data files: Mortality multiple cause files. 2017.
  6. World Health Organization. International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems, tenth revision (ICD–10). 2008 ed. Geneva, Switzerland. 2009.
  7. Xu JQ, Murphy SL, Kochanek KD, Bastian B, Arias E. Deaths: Final data for 2016pdf icon. National Vital Statistics Reports; vol 67 no 5. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2018.
  8. Ingram DD, Franco SJ. NCHS urban–rural classification scheme for countiespdf icon. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 2(154). 2012.
  9. National Cancer Institute. Joinpoint Regression Program (Version 4.4.0.0) [computer software]. 2016.
  10. Ingram DD, Malec DJ, Makuc DM, Kruszon-Moran D, Gindi RM, Albert M, et al. National Center for Health Statistics Guidelines for Analysis of Trendspdf icon. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 2(179). 2018.

Copyright information

All material appearing in this report is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without permission; citation as to source, however, is appreciated.

12

I’m not going to lie, this is a little bit hard for me to take in. Having lost a friend to suicide I thought I’d be strong in posting this however I can’t help but feel a few tears running down my face. I think I’ll take a few moments to recover before further posting.

1 Like
13

My thoughts on the issue are, well first off, don’t be afraid to seek help, immediately if possible. My friend tried reaching out to me and several other friends the day before he passed away. I still feel some blame for not being there, I’m sure others do too when it crosses their mind. That doesn’t mean we didn’t care about him. The reason I chose to share that is because even loved ones, friends, and family will not always be there at the very moment one would like to talk to someone and so it should be mentioned that there is no shame in seeking professional help, whether it be a hotline or an emergency number such as 911.

Many times friends and family are unsure how to react toward such a strong feeling. I’d also ask those who feel their friends or family are not there at the moment to wait. Give yourself some time, a week and I’m sure someone will respond, if not do not hesitate to seek any means of help. There is no shame in that. Life is valuable and if you feel yours is not for any reason whether it be a past action, or feelings of worthlessness, you can still give your life some worth.

I like to try to help others somehow, or just be a good listener. I’m far from perfect but those two things alone have helped me find a small reason to carry on at different times. Also, remember people do care about you and if you feel you have no one, then seek professional help immediately if you are having thoughts of suicide, especially if you have a plan to enact those thoughts.

I guess at this point I should remind myself, there is no shame in crying when it comes to sharing about such a matter.

1 Like
14

I’d invite any posters to share their experiences or thoughts on the matter. I’ll slow down for awhile so that this thread is not constantly bumped on the forums and so that other threads will also get the attention they deserve.

1 Like
15

I have foughtagai st suicidal thoughts. It’s hard when you’re depressedand psychotic. Depressio n is a goodliar and tells you no one cares, everyone will be better offwithoutyou, and more. i feel for anyo e fighting this.

6 Likes
16

I hope you’re not feeling that way now. Try to remain positive. The saying goes “There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Well, I really should get some sleep. I’m almost in a manic state due to lack of rest. Take care DearZombie and don’t give up! We’re in this together!

3 Likes
17

1 in 10 people who suffer from schizophrenia commit suicide according to statistics. Further statistics indicate that the risk for a person suffering from schizophrenia to commit suicide is higher during the first 10 years after initial diagnosis.

Many people who have battled with suicidal thoughts have reoccurring feelings of despair and or worthless. Those who are survivors of a loved one who committed suicide can often find themselves feeling guilt about not doing more. This guilt can last for years and sometimes never quite goes away. I also speak from personal experience on this matter. I think it is important to remind oneself that some things are out of our control and though the past cannot be changed we can still honor the memory of a loved one.

In closing of this subject, I’d like to first extend a virtual hug or a way of offering friendship and support to those who have lost a loved one or those who have to battle with suicidal thoughts. Also, I’d like to share something that helps me carry on. Somehow, I think to myself that just by continuing to live, I am honoring the memories of those who felt the crushing weight of the world and sadly lost their lives to suicide. It is almost like I am not giving up in their memory.

Lastly, if you or a loved one is thinking or has talked about feeling suicidal, please do not hesitate to seek help whether for a loved one or for yourself. Remember, no matter who you are, it would hurt someone to lose you.

If anyone would like to revisit this subject later, feel free to do so. @anon4362788 thank you for contributing with your personal experience and description of what can bring on suicidal thoughts. It takes courage to share. Keep your head up!

4 Likes
18

This has been share here before many times, I thought it would be appropriate, beneficial, and I feel it coincides with the discussion until now. It might help forum viewers who do not often post, visitors, people who are seeking help, relatives, and people here in general.

Feel free to discuss or comment.

1 Like
19

I just made a thread about a song that talks about suicide. What is your opinion on the song Ghost by Badflower? Does it glorify suicide? It does it talk about the gritty reality?

It’s kind of like 13 reasons why. I’m glad suicide is being talked about, I just dont know if that show went about it the right way. I’ve heard arguments on both sides of the debate, mostly from mental health professionals.

Talking about suicide doesnt lead to a rise in suicidal behavior, but some mental health professionals are worried that 13 reasons why glorified suicide.

What are your thoughts?

I came close to ending my life a few times, but didnt because of my belief system. I also used to be a cutter but I am going to be a year clean of that in October. I didnt think badflower glorified suicide, but I do think it could be triggering for people who are dealing with suicidal thoughts in the moment.

1 Like
20

Hey Squanchy, (nice new username,) my apologies for not replying in as quickly as I normally do. I went a head and listened to the song a few times. I exactly wouldn’t say it glorifies suicide. It sounds more like a cry for help, a bit of angst in the lyrics. I’m not saying it promotes suicide necessarily and I’d imagine the words written by the musician are some thoughts that he has had to deal with, like many of us here. Personally, I wouldn’t have used those lyrics to make a song if I were in a band. Though the artist may have felt they were deeply important to him, and I’m sure many can relate to that song.

I haven’t seen 13 Reasons Why as of yet so I cannot give much of a valid reply. If anything though, at least it caused some awareness of the rising problem with such a tragic situation and its statistics. I don’t know if it glorifies suicide because I have not seen it though it may have caused some youth to contemplate suicide that normally would not. Maybe it romanticizes the notion of being remembered or being a loved one who has experienced such a tragic loss? I have not seen it yet.

I agree in that Badflower didn’t glorify suicide and that it can be triggering to listeners.

I too was a cutter. It has been several years since. That may be a sensitive topic to discuss here without triggering anyone but I’ll share a bit of my personal experience. When I used to be a cutter it wasn’t necessarily because I felt suicidal, it was more because I felt numb. It was like feeling pain was through cutting would somehow bring back some feeling. I hid it for a few years. Cutting can almost become like an addiction, in that you know it is bad for you, but for some reason you continue to do so. (Not saying you specifically.)

I myself have attempted suicide once. Thankfully, I survived. My attempt was with an overdose of pills. I didn’t go to the hospital and I passed out in a chair. Miraculously I woke up. I say that word because when I awoke, it felt like my best friend as a young child, (he moved away and died in a car crash in Mexico City), reached out and touched me on the shoulder. I woke up somehow and was still heavily drugged. It is like he was my guardian angel.

I don’t know about your experiences with attempted suicide but I will tell you this, Inam glad you are alive. No two people agree on everything, but your thoughrs and comments are always valued and as of yet I have not seen you fling insults even when there is a difference in opinion. We are not allowed to discuss religion here, but I will tell you that I am a religious person and with that, whatever your beliefs may they continue to give you reason as to why you should be alive.

I would also like to thank you for sharing your input on the matter. 1 in 10 people with schizophrenia commit suicide but 1 in 5 have attempted it. Let us try to reduce both those statistics as well as quell the rise in suicidea, if not by bringing awareness then by not succumbing to such a tragedy. Have a wonderful day, @Squanchy and though this subject is heavy, let’s not allow it to rule our day to day life.:slightly_smiling_face:

1 Like