TALLAHASSEE - More than 2,500 people, or about seven each day, took their own lives in Florida in 2007.
That was twice the number of Floridians who were murdered and many more than those who died of AIDS. In fact, Florida ranks third highest in the nation for its number of suicides, and counselors say the numbers may rise with the downturn in the economy.
To call attention to this situation and save lives, hundreds of suicide-prevention advocates, survivors and victims' families gathered at the state capitol April 22 for "Suicide Prevention Day."
Elizabeth Ruegg, a licensed clinical social worker and expert on suicide, calls it a "public health emergency" that is entirely preventable.
"There's no reason for people to be dying of depression. Major depression, bi-polar illness, profound anxiety - these are treatable conditions. Yet we're losing people to hopelessness, too many of them," she said.
Ruegg said 90 percent of those who die by their own hand have an underlying mental-health issue or substance-abuse problem; therefore, the first step in prevention is getting them to a mental-health provider who specializes in patients with suicidal thoughts.
A list of such providers is available from the National Association of Social Workers and the Statewide Office of Suicide Prevention.
Ruegg said for every person who dies by suicide, there are 25 others who tried and failed. Many of these people are suffering loss - loss of a job, of health, of a loved one - but she said the biggest risk is loss of hope.
"Depression is a very, very persuasive liar. It tells you that nothing will ever improve, that you will never get better. You develop amnesia about ever having felt well, so there is really no point to keeping on hanging on."
Depression makes people feel they have no other options or choices, Ruegg explained, but a competent mental health provider can help them find a way out of the pain.
"You can go from terrified, desperate, in very, very bad condition to recovered and living well, if you get treatment. It's not a miracle.," she said.
If someone you care about seems to be struggling with depression, she says, you should go with them to see a counselor and help them get on the road to recovery.
More information is available at www.helppromotehope.com. The suicide hotline is 1-800-273-TALK
