https://www.nami.org/suicideawarenessmonth/hp

September is Suicide Prevention Month. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 3,000 people commit suicide each day (1). In a 2013 study, the CDC found that 41,149 suicides were reported, making suicide the 10th leading cause of deaths for Americans. They also found that in the same year someone committed suicide in the U. S. every 12.8 minutes. Only cancer and heart disease account for more years of life lost than suicide (2).

The subject of suicide is a taboo and an uncomfortable one. Even with celebrity deaths of Robin Williams and others, it is easy to move to the back of one’s mind. Unless you have been or know someone who has been directly affected, the pain, guilt and sadness can continue for a long time.

Here are some facts to consider based on CDC research (all figures 2013-most recent data)

• The highest rate of suicide was among people 45 to 64 years of age. Of those who died by suicide, 77.9% were male and 22.1% were female (2).                                         
• Suicide is the 2nd most common cause of death for youth ages 10-24.
• LGB youth are 4 times more likely, and questioning youth are 3 times as likely, to attempt suicide as their straight peers (3).                                       
• 22 Veterans take their own lives a day. That is one every 65 minutes (4).
• 22-46% of homeless adults and youth have attempted suicide (5).

Risk Factors

• Depression
• Bi-polar (manic-depressive) disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Borderline or antisocial personality disorder
• Conduct disorder
• Psychotic disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Substance abuse disorders
• Serious illness or chronic health condition and/or pain
• Family history of suicide
• Previous suicide attempts
• Childhood abuse

Suicide Warning Signs

• If they talk about killing themselves
• Saying they have no reason to live
• If they talk about being a burden to other
• If they feel trapped
• Unbearable pain
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Irritability
• Loss of interest
• Rage

*According to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

It is important to know that there is no fool proof list or combination of factors or warning signs that will lead us to the answer.  It can be any combination of these and other factors or risks that raises a red flag that someone may need help.  It is critical that we are active listeners and pick up on the cues above or differences in behavior of those that we interact with including patients, clients, friends, family members and/or those that we just encounter in our daily lives.  Although uncomfortable, the more we can have a dialogue about these factors and others in addition to raising awareness and funding for studies to continue our understanding of suicide, the more impact we can have and save lives.

HealthNet’s Behavioral Health specialists are trained and licensed professionals to help you with issues and challenges throughout life. To make an appointment with a Behavioral Health Therapist, contact a HealthNet location near you. You can also make an appointment by calling 317-957-2200 x 6009.

For online resources about Suicide Prevention, click here: Suicide Prevention Resources

1. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2007/s16/en/
2. https://www.afsp.org/understanding-suicide/facts-and-figures
3. http://www.thetrevorproject.org/pages/facts-about-suicide
4. http://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniehaiken/2013/02/05/22-the-number-of-veterans-who-now-commit-suicide-every-day/
5. http://homeless.samhsa.gov/channel/depression-and-suicide-244.aspx

Post by Matt Holland

Post by Lauresa Garnett

Did you know February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, almost 1 in 10 teens reports being physically abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the last year.

Teens who suffer dating abuse are subject to long-term consequences like alcoholism, eating disorders, promiscuity, thoughts of suicide, and violent behavior.  A striking 33 percent of adolescents in America are victim to sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional dating abuse and every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.  Domestic violence and teen violence are just one of the many issues we address as Social Worker’s with HealthNet.  We assist patients with getting into domestic violence shelters, as well and creating a safety plan for those who are unable to leave immediately.  We provide them with resources for their families by connecting them to community agencies.

Every year our social work team makes aware of this issue by having a question and answer contest with all of HealthNet employees.  Lauresa Garnett and Donna Richardson are two of Healthnet’s social workers who are also a part of the IU Health Domestic Violence Coalition.  An organization developed and participated by IU Health employees who are concerns about this topic of abuse; this group exists to bring better awareness of abuse to our staff and patients.

For more information about HealthNet’s Social Services Department, please visit www.indyhealthnet.org.

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Blanket Indy With Care –
Supporting our Homeless Initiative Program…

February featured a campaign to raise awareness and support for our Homeless Initiative Program!  The campaign included efforts on the social media front as well as a direct mail piece that may have been sent to your home.  Take a look at our news archive to read what it was all about. A huge thanks to everyone who took a few minutes to support the campaign. You are helping thousands of homeless people in Indy get much-needed care and reach their goals!

Whatever you call ‘em, check ‘em –
A fun spin on a serious subject…

Bebops, Bazooms, Pillows, the Girls… Our Whatever You Call ‘Em, Check ‘em campaign has been ongoing since mid-April to raise awareness about breast health and the importance of regular check-ups and screening mammograms, particularly for women living in poverty.  A fun question posed on Facebook asked “What do YOU call ‘em?”.

Thanks to everyone who encouraged a woman in your life to take care of her “girls,” and to help others do the same. So many social, economic and cultural barriers prevent low-income women from getting a screening mammogram. You ARE making a difference in Indy!

We had many WONDERFUL patient and staff stories about breast cancer
- you can find them here.

Spring Into Action!
Getting residents active on the southeast side…

On Saturday, April 30, HealthNet teamed up with students from the University of Indianapolis to pilot a walking program called Spring Into Action.  Nearly 100 Indianapolis residents participated in the kick-off, a 1-mile fun walk throughout Fountain Square. Participants stopped at certain spots along the route to get their blood pressure checked and body fat estimated.
A great turnout for what will be a great program!  Click here to read more about it.

Social Media Presence
Giving you inside information daily…

Pictures of health center construction on Facebook… What’s up with our Outreach programs with @GiveACareIndy… FQHC Advocacy with @Indy_HealthNet… More detailed info with our e-newsletters!  There are a number of ways to keep up-to-date with what is going on with us!  Sign up for all or sign up for one – you don’t have to just sit and watch. Our social media outlets are here to get YOUR perspective and gain feedback from YOU.  Comment, retweet, and enter a discussion on how we can all give greater care to those who need it most in Indianapolis.

In Marion County, the population of children totaled 236,434, and the following are some staggering numbers about our children:

• 24% live in poverty
• Teen birth rate is 35.5 (per 1000 females) – the state rate is 22
• 4,023 child neglect cases were substantiated (increase from 1,853 in ’05)
• 604 physical child abuse cases were substantiated (increase from 466 in ’05)
• 620 sexual child abuse cases were substantiated (DECREASE from 818 in ’05)

Every statistic has increased since 2005 except for sexual child abuse.  This may have something to say about how awareness about sexual abuse against children has risen GREATLY in the past years.  It seems easy to focus on the most extreme case of child abuse, but these other situations harm the child just as much.  It may not be seen physically, but in the long-run, into the child’s adult life, these situations hold them back.

“Children who grow up poor are more likely to earn less as adults, complete fewer years of formal education, and face more health issues than children living in higher-income families.” – from the National Governor’s Association Center for Best Practices

Raising awareness about all of child abuse, child poverty, and even teen pregnancy can lead to better lives for all of Marion County’s youth.  It can lead to better health for the entire community, and it can lead to a better Indianapolis.  Organizations that aim at child abuse prevention are HealthNet’s Better Indy Babies (BIBs) and Healthy Families America (HF) Programs, Prevent Child Abuse America, and the Stop Abuse Campaign.  Do you have an idea to raise awareness about stopping abuse?  Do you have any more helpful resources?  Feel free to comment.

Healthy Families America is a program that is part of Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA), and before Healthy Families America opened a branch in Indiana, children in our community had to be reported as being abused or neglected FIRST before a family could receive support services. Now with HealthNet’s Better Indy Babies (BIBs) and Healthy Families Programs, families are being sought out by an outreach team and offered support BEFORE abuse and neglect can happen.

According to the National Center on Child Abuse Prevention Research, almost 50 out of every 1000 children were taken in by state and local Child Protection Services (CPS) in 2006.  That means almost 3.6 million children in the U.S. and Puerto Rico were alleged to be abused.  I am always wary when I hear research about “allegations;” however, when it comes to child abuse, even being alleged to having abused a child should cause some concern.

PCA invites everyone to have a HOUSE PARTY to help raise awareness and funding for this cause.  A perfect idea for a family gathering during the holidays, or a great way to add some meaning to you campus party!

Many families do some sort of gift exchange or present give-away for Christmas.  What if this year instead of saying, “oooh! you only need to spend $25 dollars on me,” you say, “what if we all donate the $25 dollars to a community program that helps prevent child abuse”?  Just like that, your family of five can raise $125 to help ONE of those 50 children gain support services BEFORE abuse or neglect happens.

What are your thoughts on this “house party” for prevention idea?  Are there other opportunities to host a party to raise funding or awareness for a cause near to your heart?

To learn more about Better Indy Babies/Healthy Families of HealthNet click here or donate directly by clicking here.  Comments welcome!