The Barren River Health Department wants local citizens to know about the health problems affecting residents of Logan County.

No one wants to think that suicide is a problem in his or her own community, but the fact is that self-inflicted injuries do happen right here at home!

On the larger scale, more than 30,000 Americans commit suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Americans ages 24-34 and the third leading cause of death among 10-24 year olds. In Kentucky, suicide ranks as the ninth leading cause of death in all age groups.

Locally, the actual numbers might surprise you. From 1994-98, there were 130 suicide deaths in the BRHD's eight-county district, with 13 in Logan County alone.

In addition to the deaths, there are many more self-inflicted injuries and attempts at suicide. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that there are 8-25 attempts at suicide per each completed suicide.

The BRHD conducts injury surveillance on emergency department patient data contributed by six area hospitals, including Logan Memorial. During 2000 and the first three quarters of 2001, 52 Logan County residents were treated for self-inflicted injuries at area hospital emergency departments.

Patients were divided equally as to gender. The most frequent age group seen was 30-39.

Now that we know that this problem has reached Logan County, what do we do about prevention? The first thing is to recognize the warning signs. The Jason Foundation gives the following 10 warning signs of possible impending suicide attempts:

talking about suicide

making statements about feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless

deepening depression

preoccupation with death

taking unnecessary risks or exhibiting self-destructive behavior

out of character behavior

loss of interest in things one usually cares about

making arrangements, setting one's affairs in order

giving away prized possessions

Concerned family and friends should also bear in mind that the following circumstances often precede a suicide or suicide attempt.

relationship problems with romantic interests

in adolescents and teens, problems with parents

substance abuse

legal trouble or upcoming disciplinary crisis

It is important to remember that most people who attempt or commit suicide have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder.

Unfortunately, the holiday season can be especially hard for those dealing with depression. If someone you care about displays any of the warning signs of suicide, don't ignore your instincts. Talk to the person about your concerns and tell him/her that you care and want to help.

The National Mental Health Association offers the following Do's and Don'ts for talking to a potentially suicidal person.

Do not act shocked or judge the person

Do not counsel the person

Do get professional help, even if the person resists

Do not swear to secrecy

Do not leave the person alone

Do remember that the most important thing is to listen