Wear red in Taos Jan. 13 to support community and suicide prevention

Nearly 30,000 Americans commit suicide every year. In the U.S., suicide rates are highest during the spring. (In Taos it’s the fall).

Suicide is the leading cause of death for ages 10-to-14 and the second-leading cause for ages 15-to-34. In Taos County, suicide is the leading cause of death in both age groups. On average, one person dies by suicide every 16.2 minutes. Each suicide intimately affects at least 138 other people.

In Taos, every suicide affects many more people than can be counted. Taos has a higher rate of suicide than our state and national averages. People who have known someone who has taken their life are four times more likely to contemplate and attempt suicide. In Taos, we have had 16 suicides this year — the second-most suicides in Taos history.

For every person who has taken their life, there are 25 people who that have made a serious attempt. Officials say more than 10 percent of the high school and mid-school students in Taos have made a serious attempt to take their lives. That is 73 students out of 733. These numbers go higher when students reported thoughts of hurting themselves. If that percentage is applied to the whole community — it would mean 3,200 people in Taos County have made or thought about attempting suicide.

What are the indicators for someone who is contemplating suicide? You look for a change in behavior, good or bad. Listen for anything that seems out of character. Most signs are not easily identifiable. Being tired more often, negative self-talk, loss of interest and even irritability can be signs something is wrong. More obvious signs are direct threats of hurting themselves, talking about death (even in a joking way), giving away possessions, obvious mental health issues, history of an attempt, drug or alcohol use and a connection to another person (including through social media) who has committed suicide.

It is also possible not to notice any of these signs until it’s too late. But we can build a better community. Reach out to neighbors and say “hi.” Ask a stranger how they’re doing. Smile more. Pay attention to everyone and don’t ignore or make excuses for a change in behavior. Talk about mental health and depression as if they are medical issues, versus it being a choice someone made.

If someone feels that their community cares, they are more likely to reach out and seek help from someone. It is for this reason that suicide rates are higher in a rural area. The fewer daily connections you have with real people, the more likely you are to commit/attempt suicide. These little things can be enough to help a person feel valued and loved.

I’ve been working with many members of the community to find a solution to this problem — to identify those at risk and provide assistance, ensure access to effective mental health care, suicide support and treatment; to respond effectively to individuals in crisis, reduce means to suicide, provide for immediate and long-term postvention and promote social connectedness and support. We are in need of financial support, community support and communication. Reduce access to harmful items such as guns, drugs and sharp items. Find out about the services that are available in our community. This is not only about the person seeking help, it’s about the community.

On Jan. 13 we will be asking all individuals who have been touched by the death of someone who has taken their life to participate by wearing something red. Say “hi” to five people you don’t know each day. Keep individuals involved with real social connection. These little gestures can save a life. Feeling that someone in the community cares can help a person get through a tough day and maybe reach out for help.

All lives matter and it’s time to stop pretending that this is not a community issue. We talk about cancer, domestic violence and drug abuse and bring awareness to these causes. Let’s do the same for suicide.

Lehrer is a resident of El Prado. Contact her at risal66@netscape.com.