The Bridge highlights suicide prevention, education
The recent and highly-publicized suicides of fashion designer Kate Spade and television host Anthony Bourdain have reignited the entire conversation around mental health and its connection to suicide.
Palatine-based The Bridge Youth and Family Services serves Palatine Township and continues to highlight the need for education, counseling and crisis intervention services at a time when suicide rates across the country continue to rise.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the most recent statistics available (2016) show that suicide has become the second leading cause of death in young people ages 10-14, as well as for individuals 15-34 years of age.
So, what is being done in the Palatine Township community to address this serious issue?
The Bridge provides a range of services to youth through 17 years of age (18 if still in high school) and their families, which include counseling, crisis intervention, mentoring, youth leadership development and community education.
The goal is to identify social or psychological issues and challenges as early as possible, before they get to a point of hopelessness and desperation that could lead to suicide.
In light of what could accurately be described as a public health crisis, The Bridge would like to share the following information about suicide risk factors, warning signs and resources that are available to the Palatine Township community.
Risk factors for suicide
Research shows that 56 percent of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition. This could either be due to an undiagnosed condition or other risk factors that have the potential to put a person at a higher risk for suicide. These risk factors can include a history of suicide in the family, substance abuse, access to firearms, or a serious or chronic illness.
Gender can also play a role. Although women have a higher rate of suicide attempts, men are four times more likely to die from suicide.
Other risk factors can include a history of trauma or abuse, prolonged stress, isolation, a recent tragedy or loss, sleep deprivation and age.
Suicide warning signs
Friends and family members are encouraged to pay special attention to individuals who make threats or comments about killing themselves (suicidal ideation), even though statements like, "I wish I wasn't here" may be construed as seemingly harmless.
Other warning signs include an increase in alcohol or substance use/abuse; social withdrawal from friends, family and the community; dramatic mood swings; and impulsive or reckless behavior.
A loss of interest in activities that an individual previously enjoyed and high levels of hopelessness are other indicators that an individual could be contemplating suicide.
Behaviors that indicate immediate care is needed
When an individual puts their affairs in order or gives away previously valued possessions, says goodbye to friends and/or family, a mood shifts from despair to calm, or if "tools of suicide" such as prescription medications or firearms are stolen, borrowed or purchased, residents are advised to seek immediate help for the individual.
How to get help
• National Suicide Hotline: (800) 273-8255
• Cares SASS Hotline: (800) 345-9049
• Trevor Lifeline LGBTQ specific services: (866) 488-7386
• Crisis Text Line 24/7 support: 741741
Through continued education about risk factors, warning signs and other indicators that can put an individual at risk for suicide, members of the Palatine Township community can be more aware and better able to take steps to help prevent the suicide of a friend or loved one.
The Bridge's mission is to help young people and their families overcome challenges and trauma to lead happier, more successful lives. This aim is accomplished by providing comprehensive counseling and therapy services, with a specialization in many emotional and behavioral problems or issues that youth and families are facing.
Services are available to all Palatine Township residents, regardless of their ability to pay, which is made possible in part by private funding - 36 percent of The Bridge's annual budget is made up of donations from private individuals, businesses and organizations.
If you would like to learn more about The Bridge, visit BridgeYouth.org or call (847) 359-7490.
Local residents are encouraged to consider becoming a volunteer as a mentor or becoming a donor to assist the organization in continuing its mission to strengthen, empower and assist young people and their families.