Parkland programs intervene to prevent suicide
Suicide is a serious public health problem and a leading cause of violent death in Dallas, as it is throughout the United States, and the number of suicides in Dallas County has been steadily rising in recent years. During the observance of National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 8-14, Parkland Health & Hospital System mental health experts want to raise awareness about resources available to help identify and provide assistance to those at risk of committing suicide.
“Between 2005 and 2010, there were a total of 1,360 deaths by suicide in Dallas County, with the number increasing each year,” said Aretha L. Fisher, PsyD, Parkland clinical psychologist with the Homeless Outreach Medical Services (HOMES) program that provides medical, behavioral health and social work services to both the pediatric and adult population.
“Any death by suicide is one too many, but one of the most alarming statistics in recent years is the rising number of young people in Dallas County committing suicide – a total of nine children under age 14, and 188 young people between the ages of 15-24, during the 2005-2010 time period,” Dr. Fisher added. “The aim and focus of all of our programs is to reduce the number of suicides to zero, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.”
Both nationally and in Dallas, gender is a key factor in suicide death, with males outnumbering females dramatically at all ages, and Caucasians outnumbering other racial groups. But according to Dr. Fisher, “There are many risk factors that contribute to suicidal behavior, and people don’t have to be mentally ill to commit suicide.” Among common triggers are chronic pain, life-threatening medical illness, financial or relationship changes, death of a spouse or a recent or pending divorce. In children, bullying, including cyberbullying, is a leading concern. Veterans are another high-risk population.
Identifying people at risk is crucial to prevention. “If you notice someone is behaving differently, even if they say they are ‘fine,’ find out what’s going on with them. If they talk about suicide, take it seriously, even if they say it as a joke,” Dr. Fisher cautioned. “Don’t be afraid to intervene. Call a crisis hotline or the police, because doing anything is better than doing nothing.”
In urgent situations with imminent threat of suicide, call 911. Other mental health hotlines in the Dallas area include the Texas Suicide Crisis line at 214.828.1000 and the Teen Help Line at 972.233.TEEN (8336).
“Never leave someone who is threatening to commit suicide alone, not even for a few minutes,” Dr. Fisher stated. “Keep a constant watch on them until help arrives.”
Parkland provides multiple points of access for patients needing psychiatric care, including the psychiatric Emergency Department for emergency services and Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC) health centers for mental health screening, assessment and treatment of primary care patients. In addition, Parkland provides mental health services to the Dallas County Jail population and homeless individuals through the HOMES program. For assistance with medical or mental health programs available at HOMES, call 214.590.0153. To schedule an appointment at a COPC health center, call 214.266.4000. For more information, visit www.parklandhospital.com.