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SOUTH DAKOTA SUICIDE
FACTS
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South
Dakota is among a group of states in the western United States that
consistently has a higher rate of suicide than the rest of the country
has.
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About
107 people die of suicide in South Dakota every year (one suicide every
three or four days).
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About
12 teenagers--one a month-- dies of suicide in South Dakota.
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The
death rate of people age 15 to 24 is twice as high in South Dakota as it
is on average throughout the United States.
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Young
Indian males die of suicide at 4 to 5 times the rate, on average, of young
white males in South Dakota.
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Suicide
is the second-leading cause of death in South Dakota for people 15-34,
regardless of sex or race.
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Suicide
is the fourth-leading cause of death in the state for all people 35-44,
and the fifth-leading cause of death for all people 45-54.
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From
1993 to 2002 (10 years): 897 whites, 162 Indians, and 9 people of other
races died of suicide here (total: 1,068)
(From
South Dakota Suicide Prevention)
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IF YOU'VE LOST A
CHILD TO SUICIDE
For parents, the death of a child is probably the most
painful loss imaginable. For parents who've lost a child to suicide, the
pain and grief may be intensified. Although these feelings may never
completely go away, survivors of suicide can take steps to begin the healing
process:
Maintain
contact with others.
Suicide can be a very isolating experience for surviving family members
because friends often don't know what to say or how to help. Seek out
supportive people to talk with about your child and your feelings. If those
around you seem uncomfortable about reaching out, initiate the conversation
and ask for their help.
Remember
that your other family members are grieving, too,
and that everyone expresses grief in their own way. Your other children, in
particular, may try to deal with their pain alone so as not to burden you
with additional worries. Be there for each other through the tears, anger,
and silences - and, if necessary, seek help and support together.
Expect that
anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays may be difficult.
Important days and holidays often reawaken a sense of loss and anxiety. On
those days, do what's best for your emotional needs, whether that means
surrounding yourself with family and friends or planning a quiet day of
reflection.
Understand that it's normal to feel guilty and to question how this could
have happened, but it's also important to realize that you may never get the
answers you are looking for. The healing that takes place over time comes
from reaching a point of forgiveness - for both your child and yourself.
Counseling and support groups can play a tremendous role in helping you to
realize you are not alone.
(From About Teen Suicide -
Kids Health for Parents)
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RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES, TEENS, COMMUNITIES
If you have general concerns about your child’s behavior or substance use,
please call the Prairie View Prevention Services prevention counselor at
your child’s school.
If
you learn that your child is thinking about suicide, get help immediately.
Your doctor can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist, or your local
hospital's department of psychiatry can provide a list of doctors in your
area. Your local mental health association can also provide references.
If your
teen is in an emergency situation,
your local emergency room can conduct a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
and refer you to the appropriate resources. If you are unsure about whether
you should bring your child to the emergency room, contact your doctor for
help.
Toll
Free Help
(800)
273-TALK (8255)
(800) SUICIDE (784-2433)
(800)
999-9999
Additional Resources Online
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Mental Health America
National Alliance on Mental Illness
TeensHealth: Suicide (Nemours Foundation)
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
SPAN USA—Suicide Prevention Action Network USA
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