Suicide affects ALL of us. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for Maryland people ages 10 to 34 years of age. In 2019, one in five Maryland Mid-Shore teens ages 14 to 17 seriously considered attempting suicide. According to the latest available statistics from NAMI, the CDC, and Maryland Governor’s Commission on Suicide Prevention, over the last 20 years, the suicide rate on the Eastern Shore has increased by 27.5 percent.
The statistics below tell only a fraction of the story. An average of 115 people are affected by each suicide. And with every life lost, there are immeasurable emotional costs. We can change these numbers with stronger community awareness, education, and accessible mental health resources.
We can all play a role in suicide prevention. Reach out to your circle of friends and family. Be attentive to those who you have concerns about, and connect them to resources. There are proven treatments to help those with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Someone experiencing a crisis may not recognize that suicidal thoughts are often temporary, and with professional support, hope and healing are within their reach.
If someone you know is showing signs of depression, withdrawal, or unusual behavior, take the time to check in.
- ASK “Are you OK? Are you having suicidal thoughts?” Be direct and compassionate. Research shows that asking this question will not put the idea into someone’s mind.
- LISTEN You don’t need to have all the answers. Be fully present without judgment. Allow the person to share their story.
- SHARE “You are not alone. Help is available.” Connect them to services. For All Seasons is just a phone call away.
For more suicide prevention resources and guidance visit: www.nomatterwhatyoumatter.org
How can I prevent suicide? Stay connected. Staying socially connected and having strong, supportive relationships has proven to help increase one’s sense of meaning and belonging and protect against suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Everyone needs connection, and the good news is there is more than one way to create bonds with others.
How will you create connection for your own benefit and to help those in your circle? Consider the many people and places where you can strengthen connection in your life. These include someone trusted to confide in, an institution or organization with a culture of support, someone who provides unconditional love and support, and people who share an interest or experience that give a sense of belonging.
If you are considering suicide, tell someone you trust what you are going through. It can be a family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor. Or you or a friend can call a Crisis Line for help. There are people out there who are ready to listen and help you get through this. Things will improve when you reach out.
IF YOU NEED HELP, CALL: For All Seasons’ 24-Hour Crisis Hotlines English 410.820.5600 | Español 410.829.6143 English / Español Text 410.829.6143 National Suicide & Crisis Hotline: Dial 988
For All Seasons is your community Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center providing therapy, psychiatry, & victim advocacy to Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
