[YSPNetwork] Fwd: Economy/suicide link.

[Lisa M MILLET]

today's Oregonian

Lisa M. Millet
Injury Prevention and Epidemiology Section Manager
Department of Human Services, Health Services
800 NE Oregon St. Suite 772
Portland, OR  97232
971-673-1059 desk
503-572-8585 cell
971-673-0990 fax
Lisa.M.Millet at state.or.us

If all you did was just look for things to appreciate you would live a joyous, spectacular life.

>>> "Steve Weiss" <stevesoc at teleport.com> 10/29/2008 12:32:00 PM >>>


Letters: 
October 28, 2008 16:22PM
Economy/suicide link 
A number of recent stories in the media have highlighted tragic suicide deaths in the context of the current financial crisis [including "Portland suicides spike," Oct. 24]. Although it is true that such stressors can precede a suicide, the issue of causation is much more complicated. 
In fact, more than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have an underlying psychiatric disorder at the time of their death, most often depression. It is important to note that when people have recovered from their depression, the stressful events look different to them, and because they are thinking more clearly they can find better solutions to their problems. 
Since the most recent statistics on suicide rates are from 2005, it is nearly impossible to determine the effect, if any, that the recent economic downturn has had on the nation's suicide rate. And while historically, there have been reports about suicide rates increasing during past economic recessions, direct cause and effect has not been studied or determined. 
Therefore, it is important for the media to avoid sensationalizing recent news of suicides by linking them to the economy when the statistics are not available and facts are limited. Instead, the media could educate the public about suicide warning signs and symptoms of depression and provide information on how and where to seek help (for example, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK). 
In addition to providing inaccurate information, highlighting stories about suicide deaths can run the risk of contributing to suicide contagion, also known as copycatting. 

LISA M. MILLET 
Injury prevention and epidemiology 
section manager 
Oregon Department of Human 
Services, Health Services 
Northeast Portland 
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