Page 24 - 2023-Mar-Apr-Journal

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prevention care. Detailed information and factors that
Generally, suicide mortality rates are higher in age contribute to suicide risk and warning signs for suicide can
groups which include persons 45 years of age or older. be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/factors/index.
Whites had higher mortality rates compared with Blacks, html.
Asians, or Hispanics. During 2011-2020, the age-adjusted
suicide mortality rate for Whites was 17.5 deaths per It is important to remember to:
100,000 population. For Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics, • Ask patients about suicide DIRECTLY
suicide mortality rates were 4.3, 8.0, and • Be aware of how someone speaks, their mood,
5.2, respectively. and their behaviors
• Identify warning signs
Detailed demographic data and the manner of death • Warning signs that identify someone at risk for
for suicides within the City of Austin during 2018-2021 suicide include:
was obtained from death certificates from the Office of o Talking about being a burden
Vital Records, Austin Public Health. During 2018-2021, o Being isolated
death certificates for 574 persons who died by suicide o Increased anxiety
were filed with the Office of Vital Records. A majority o Talking about feeling trapped or in
of persons (63%) were 20-49 years of age. Thirty unbearable pain
persons were 19 years of age or younger. Thirteen o Increased substance use
persons were 80 years of age or older. Most persons o Looking for a way to access lethal means
(76%) were males and most (72%) were White. There o Increased anger or rage
is no seasonal occurrence of deaths by suicide. o Extreme mood swings
o Expressing hopelessness
For deaths by suicide occurring within the City of o Sleeping too little or too much
Austin, a firearm was used for 45% of the suicides while o Talking or posting about wanting to die
hanging accounted for 30% of deaths. A firearm was o Making plans for suicide
the manner of death for 52% of males but only 20% of • Intervene and provide resources when needed.
females. Drugs or alcohol was the manner of death for
4% of males compared with 20% of females. Resources
Deaths by suicide are preventable! National Hotline number: 988
Knowing and understanding risk factors and warning Crisis Text Line: 741741
signs for suicide is crucial in providing suicide Crisis Hotline: 512-472-HELP

24 2023 March • April TCMS