Sidney Event Recognized by Suicide Prevention Organization

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) statistics show that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. In Nebraska, the rate is much lower, but still significant. The AFSP shows in 2018 Nebraska lost one person to suicide every 36 hours, and four times as many people die by suicide in the state than by homicide.

Nebraska's statistics show suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15 to 34, fourth leading cause of death for ages 35 to 54 and 8th leading cause of death for people ages 55 to 64. Nebraska's per 100,000 suicide rate almost keeps pace with the national rate: 13.05 per 100,000 population for the state compare to 13.42 per 100,000 population nationally.

A local program working to bring attention to the impact of suicide was recognized recently for its efforts. In 2018, the Walk Out of Darkness event needed a new leader, a coordinator. Liz Borgmann took on the challenge. The AFSP also urged involvement in the event by youth. Borgmann met with the Unified Raiders who then became a vital part of the event.

The Walk Out of Darkness suicide awareness event netted $6,800, nearly 200 percent of the goal, Borgmann said. The event had about 177 participants. Not all supporters attended the event, she said. Borgmann and the Sidney community was recognized at the AFSP Nebraska Chapter Leadership Conference on April 13.

Sidney's Walk Out of Darkness event was recognized as the "Most Improved Walk" in the state of Nebraska. In addition to the Walk Out of Darkness, John and Lavonne Hajek were presented the Impact Award for their leadership in raising suicide awareness. Borgmann said suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15 to 34 in Nebraska. She attended a youth conference where a statistics show an increase in anxiety and depression since 2007, with the increased popularity of smart phones. She said studies show 10 minutes of meditation daily increases brain activity. There is also a link between physical activity and mental health.

Proceeds from the event go to the AFSP; only 17 percent is kept for overhead expenses and the remaining 83 percent is applied to research and intervention programs.

"Their goal is to reduce suicide rates by 20 percent by 2025," Borgmann said of the AFSP. "They do a lot of advocacy work."

She said 94 percent of Americans believe suicide is preventable.

Borgmann said there is not a single point that leads to suicide. The catalyst varies with the person. However, most people who follow through with suicide have left clues, she said: a person acting out of their normal behavior, withdrawing from society and lacking self-care are indicators something is wrong. She encourages people who see signs of change to openly and honestly confront him or her. She said one of the focal points of AFSP is QPR - question, persuade and refer; question a person believed to be in danger, persuade him or her to seek help and make a referral.

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week is May 12-18.