By Jasmine Boardman

ISSUES SURROUNDING SUICIDE Cross all socioeconomic boundaries, yet the topic continues to be stigmatized in our culture. This stigma works to suppress open discussion about suicide, often preventing those who are suffering from seeking help.

More needs to be done to promote awareness and education about suicidality — not only to help people personally suffering from what’s known in social work as suicidal ideation, but to help the people close to them as well.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15-24-year-olds, and is the 10th leading cause of death for all age groups. The National Association of Social Workers states that on average, a person kills him- or herself every 14.2 minutes. It is believed that for every suicide there are 11 suicide attempts.

The effects of suicide go beyond the individual and their loved ones. According to NASW, state governments spend roughly $900 million every year on medical costs associated with suicide attempts and the completed suicides of those up to the age of 20 — an astronomical figure that does not include the cost related to the population older than 20.

It has long been believed that talking about suicide can cause someone to become suicidal, even if they never were. According to the National Association of Suicidality, this is not the case. Being able to openly discuss thoughts of suicide with another person who can help may, in fact, be the only ray of hope a suicidal person sees. It could be what helps an individual seek help; it could be what helps them stay alive.

Suicidality does not discriminate; it knows know bounds. We must stand together as a nation against suicide.

H.R. 782 was introduced in the House of Representatives on Sept. 13. The bill “(e)xpresses support for the goals and ideals of National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and efforts to raise awareness and improve outreach to persons at risk for suicide, especially veterans and members of the Armed Forces,” and it “(e)ncourages the people of the United States to learn more about the warning signs of suicide and how each person can help prevent suicide and promote mental health.”

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa, and currently has only one cosponsor, Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash. It is imperative that we let our congressmen know that we expect them to support this piece of legislation.

To sign the petition to Congress in support of H.R. 782, please go to suicidefocus.org and click on the petition link.

Each person can make a stand against suicide. One person can save the life of another. Please take a few minutes to let your voice be heard and bring the issue of suicide out of the shadows.

Jasmine Boardman is a master of social work student at the University of Southern California. She lives in Benicia.

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