Suicide is a sad reality in California. Even in quaint, secluded Marin County, multiple suicides occur each year. In fact, the local suicide rate is well above the state average.
Data just released by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) shows that in 2010, 3,823 Californians committed suicide and another 16,425 were hospitalized for self-inflicted injuries. The suicide figure is up from 2009 (3,760) which increased from 2008 (3,729), according to the California Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS).
In Marin County, there were 33 suicides in 2009 (20 males and 13 females) and 40 in 2008 (33 males and seven females), DHCS reports show. Those figured put the local suicide far above state marks. Across California there is a suicide rate of 9.7 per 100,000 people. In 2008, the Marin County rate was 15.8 per 100,000, which lowered to 13 per 100,000 in 2009.
CalHMSA is working hard to curb the suicide trends of California with its Suicide Prevention Initiative which is going on right now.
“These facts are a grim reminder of the need for prevention and early intervention programs in California,” said Stephanie Welch, senior program manager for CalMHSA. “The Know the Signs campaign serves as a way for us to educate our communities how to play a role in the prevention and early intervention process by reaching out to loved ones who may be at risk for suicide.”
According to CalMHSA, it is important to target not only those struggling with suicidal thoughts, but the people closest to them — family and friends, because loved ones need to recognize the signs.
“While the signs for suicide can be subtle, they are there,” said Anara Guard, suicide prevention advisor to the campaign. “The campaign goals are to educate people on what those signs are, to recognize them when they are present, and how to intervene early before the situation becomes critical.”
To see an interactive chart of the signs of suicide, click here.
The three-year suicide prevention campaign is funded by the voter-approved Mental Services Act. It is meant to achieve the following goals:
- Prepare more Californians to prevent suicide by increasing knowledge of warning signs, how to offer help and local resources.
- Provide individuals who are going through tough times with resources, hope and reassurance that help is available.
- Work with the news media to increase reporting about suicide in ways that are consistent with national recommendations.
For more information on the Know the Signs campaign, visit www.suicideispreventable.org.
See the breakdown of Marin County suicide stats below:
Marin County California 2008 Suicides 40 3,729 Per 100,000 15.8 9.7 2009 Suicides 33 3,760 Per 100,000 13.0 9.7 2010 Suicides N/A 3,823 Per 100,000 N/A 9.7
The Know the Signs Campaign encourages anyone who is in crisis to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with an experienced crisis counselor 24 hours aday, seven days a week.
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