Effort launched in Hill County to fight suicide

From Hill County Health

Consortium

At nearly twice the national average, Montana’s suicide rate remains the second leading cause of death for children, adolescents and young adults.

In 2014, an average of 20 suicides occurred every month. Of the yearly total, 196 were men, 47 were female and 59 were Montana veterans.

The highest incidences of suicide occurred between the ages of 45-64, perhaps a time when physical and mental health and personal losses play a role in their lives.

One of the challenges that Montanans face is the lack of mental health services, as well as limited access to overall health care.

Individuals with mental health issues made up 40 percent of persons who died by suicide in 2014. In all, 85 percent of those people had been diagnosed with depression.

The percentage was the same concerning those with severe medical conditions. Still, screening does not occur regularly in schools, hospitals, clinics or health centers while signs and symptoms are often missed. Individuals, who need treatment often do not seek it for fear of the stigma associated with behavioral health issues and concerns about confidentiality in our small communities.

Others simply do not have the means. According to the Census Bureau, in 2012, 18 percent of the population in Montana did not have health insurance coverage.

Another factor that contributes to a high number of suicides in Montana is drug and alcohol abuse. High rates of alcoholism, binge drinking and underage drinking are still prevalent. Of those who died by suicide, almost half were found to have alcohol in their systems at the time of death.

Easy access to firearms is also a contributing factor.

Out of the 37 young people under 24 years of age, 57 percent used a gun and because of the lethal nature of firearms, even what starts out as an impulsive attempt or a cry for help, can end in fatality.   

Hill County had 22 suicides last year.  The Hill County Health Consortium has identified and addressed the top health concerns of Hill County, including alcohol abuse and mental health, both issues highly correlated with death by suicide.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is offered to community members every other month at Bullhook Community Health Center by Lindsey Reichelt, LCSW.

ASIST, or Applied Suicide Intervention Training, is available, even in the smaller towns across the Hi-Line.

In 2014, the highest number of suicides occurred in September.

The Mental Health Local Advisory Council, a branch of the Hill County Consortium, is collaborating with Havre High School Key Club to host the “Out of Darkness Walk” to promote hope and awareness.  

People are invited to come show support at Montana State University-Northern Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Registration begins at 7 p.m., followed by warning signs and stories of survival, and community march among luminaries.