Nevada's suicide rate is the 11th highest in the country, according to the latest numbers from the Nevada Coalition for Suicide Prevention.
"This is huge because it's only the second time in history we have not been in the top 10," said Nora Ann Brucklacher, a licensed marriage and family therapist. Â
Nevada is the only state to reduce its suicide rate between 1999 and 2016.
"Here in Nevada we're doing something right; something is actually going well," Brucklacher said. "But that doesn't mean there's not an issue and I think a lot of times people don't know the warning signs. Some of the warning signs to look out for include previous attempts, especially when somebody has access to lethal means. Sometimes if there's a family history, that can make somebody feel like that's the option they have in front of them. Other factors are major environmental stressers like a breakup, legal troubles, financial stress or grief."
It's a conversation that can be difficult to start.
"A lot of times people don't know hot to broach the subject, they don't know how to approach it," Brucklacher said. "The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention uses the hashtag #realconvo and on that it talks about ways you can have this conversation with a love one that you are concerned about.  Sometimes we don't know the best approach and that will provide you with some great tools for having that conversation."
And a lot of times a little conversation can go a long way.
"Sometimes people think that if you talk about it, it's going to make someone start to think about it," Brucklacher said. "But it's actually the opposite, according to research. When we can have an open conversation about the struggles that a person is having, it can provide hope because we don't feel so alone. One of the protective factors is that sense of connectiveness, of social support, so when somebody is providing that it's that feeling that you don't have to carry that burden alone."
She says there are a lot of places to turn to.
"It's not just self care; it's community care," she said. "And it's extremely important. There are so many people trying their hearts out for people to know their life has value, that there are options you can go to. Therapy is one of them -  and I'm a big proponent of that -  but with that being said, perhaps it's exercise, or meeting with a nutritionist; maybe it's something like going to yoga. It could also be as simple s reaching out to friends and family. There are a number of people in this community who want to be there for those individuals."
More Nevadans die from suicide than homicide and car crashes combined.
"Part of it relates to the number of rural communities," Brucklacher said. "Typically, you see higher numbers  in the states on the west side of the country where there is more access to lethal means. In addition, gambling -  in terms of financial loss -  that could be a contributing factor."
Veterans comprise 20% of Nevada's suicides and Nevada has the second highest elder suicide rate in the country.
"If somebody is perhaps crying often, or they don't know how to get out of bed or they feel so hopeless that this is an option they're seriously considering, that's a point to reach out, Â that's a point to say hey, maybe I do need a little support at this moment," Brucklacher said. "It's not a weakness; some of those individuals are extremely strong, it's just at the point where they're at the threshold where this is all they can take by themselves, and it's okay to say hey, I need help. I think sometimes people forget they are here and important and they have a purpose. Â Whomever you are, there is a reason you are here and there are some ripples you can make in a positive way with your life."
Resources:
https://afsp.org/tag/realconvo/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
Crisis Call Center: 1-800-273-8255
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