Recent Study Shows Increase in Suicide Rates

Every seven hours suicide claims a life in Ohio.

A recent study shows suicide rates in the United States have surged to the highest levels in nearly 30 years and is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. Doctor Vicki Whitacre who is also an advocate for suicide awareness said the rates are increasing in all areas.

“A lot of productive years of life are lost. It of course it decreases our average life span. The worst part though is the loss to the surviving family members, they have a terrible time dealing with a death from suicide because, all of the whys and what could I have done to prevent this. They have a very rough time recovering,” said Dr. Whitacre.

Each year Dr. Whitacre holds a suicide awareness banquet in Zanesville to bring suicide awareness to local residents. Whitacre said friendship is important for extra support.

“It’s that extra support beyond the family that they need. It’s a breakdown of our family and of our support systems in this day in age,” said Dr. Whitacre.

To learn more about helping to prevent suicide, you can visit the link at: www.ohiospf.org.