Trib commentary on youth suicides and Nov policy

[Calm]

https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2018/09/02/commentary-did-same-sex/

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In the month of November 2015 youth suicides were 33 percent lower than in the month of November 2014 (Utah Department of Health IBIS). The year after the policy’s release saw a 21 percent decrease in youth suicides. Utah suicides for those ages 18-64 also decreased (though minimally) from 2015 to 2016. Sadly, suicides of those 65 and over increased by 30 percent during this time. The overall suicide rate in Utah slightly declined from 2015 to 2016.

Misapplying these data to the overly simplistic narrative that Utah’s suicide rates are the result of the policies of the Church of Jesus Christ could lead to the questionable conclusion that the November policy: 1) decreased youth suicides, 2) had no impact on adult suicides, and 3) increased senior citizen suicides. Such tenuous conclusions remind us of serious concerns with one-dimensional narratives.

Indeed, professionals have cautioned against simplistic narratives. Utah’s suicide prevention research coordinator, Michael Staley, stated: “Anybody who reduces suicide or an explanation for our rate of suicide in any population to one or two things is sadly mistaken. I think that mentality is an impediment to us moving forward.”

U.S. Centers for Disease Control researchers explicitly cautionedUtahns against a simplistic approach to reducing suicides: “There is no one-size fits all approach to preventing suicide. Multiple factors are involved, therefore, multi-component, comprehensive and coordinated suicide prevention efforts that target and address multiple risk and protective factors will likely be the most effective.” Simplistic explanations and solutions risk misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments.

None of this is to say that some have not intensely struggled with the November policy or with the religion in general. Many clearly have and we cannot ignore individuals’ experiences.

Of course current data cannot say whether LGBTQ suicides decreased during 2016, just that there was an overall decrease. And that is just the point: commentators should avoid linking increases or decreases in Utah suicide rates to any one thing, especially when data on sexual orientation, religion, and suicide are incomplete at best.

Included in the commentary is a link to a very useful handout by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and others for discussing LGBT+ populations and suicide.  There were a few things I learned I needed to alter in the way I discuss suicide, I encourage everyone to read it.

There were several suggestions that highlight concerns for the way some advocates use individual suicides to promote efforts to prevent suicides; many are likely doing the very thing they should not be doing to help prevention:

http://www.lgbtmap.org/file/talking-about-suicide-and-lgbt-populations-2nd-edition.pdf

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DON’T attribute a suicide death to a single factor (such as bullying or discrimination) or say that a specific anti-LGBT law or policy will “cause” suicide. Suicide deaths are almost always the result of multiple overlapping causes, including mental health issues that might not have been recognized or treated. Linking suicide directly to external factors like bullying, discrimination or anti-LGBT laws can normalize suicide by suggesting that it is a natural reaction to such experiences or laws. It can also increase suicide risk by leading at-risk individuals to identify with the experiences of those who have died by suicide.

DON’T risk spreading false information by repeating unsubstantiated rumors or speculation about suicide deaths or why they occurred. Accurate information about the reasons for a suicide death can take days and even weeks to surface. Speculation about those reasons, even based on initial statements from friends or family, can fuel false narratives about suicide (for example, claims that multiple suicide deaths occurred because of the results of the 2016 elections) and contribute to the risk of suicide contagion. Organizations and advocates have a duty to rigorously confirm such incidents with medical authorities (or rely on credible media reporting) before commenting on them in public.

DON’T talk about suicide “epidemics” or suicide rates for LGBT people. Remember that sexual orientation and gender identity are not recorded at the time of death, so we do not have data on suicide rates or deaths among LGBT people. In addition, presenting suicide as a trend or a widespread occurrence (for example, tallying suicide deaths that occur in proximity to an external event) can encourage vulnerable individuals to see themselves as part of a larger story, which may elevate their suicide risk. 

DON’T use social media or e-blasts to announce news of suicide deaths, speculate about reasons for a suicide death, focus on personal details about the person who died, or describe the means of death. Research shows that detailed descriptions of a person’s suicide death can be a factor in leading vulnerable individuals to imitate the act. Also, avoid re-posting news, headlines or social media content with this kind of information. 

 

 

Edited October 20, 2018 by Calm

[MorningStar]

We had four kids commit suicide from one high school in a year - two of them a week apart. I agree with these statements. Also, they are put on pedestals - their names are all over everything from shirts to vinyl stickers on cars and I fear what impact that has on depressed kids who feel like no one knows them or cares about them. Will it give them more motivation to go through with it? So, so heartbreaking.  

[JAHS]

I have heard of an organization called Encircle. They claim to take no sides just to love youth and support them and their families who are struggling with LGBT issues.

[rongo]

8 hours ago, Calm said:

 

DON’T talk about suicide “epidemics” or suicide rates for LGBT people . . . In addition, presenting suicide as a trend . . . (for example, tallying suicide deaths that occur in proximity to an external event) can encourage vulnerable individuals to see themselves as part of a larger story, which may elevate their suicide risk. 

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DON’T use social media or e-blasts to announce news of suicide deaths, speculate about reasons for a suicide death, focus on personal details about the person who died, or describe the means of death. Research shows that detailed descriptions of a person’s suicide death can be a factor in leading vulnerable individuals to imitate the act. Also, avoid re-posting news, headlines or social media content with this kind of information.

These two items seem to be avoiding a problem to me. Suicide and suicide contagion are real phenomena (cf. Malcolm Gladwell's excellent chapter on this in "Tipping Point"). Studiously not talking about it seems to be burying our heads in the sand. I do agree that we should avoid contributing to the snowballing mania about it, as it appears to influence vulnerable people (people who are prone to suggestion about suicide). 

[Calm]

8 hours ago, rongo said:

These two items seem to be avoiding a problem to me. Suicide and suicide contagion are real phenomena (cf. Malcolm Gladwell's excellent chapter on this in "Tipping Point"). Studiously not talking about it seems to be burying our heads in the sand. I do agree that we should avoid contributing to the snowballing mania about it, as it appears to influence vulnerable people (people who are prone to suggestion about suicide). 

Did you read the whole handout?  I think your concerns are clearly addressed there.  It is not about avoiding the topic, but doing so in effective and accurate ways as "talking about suicide in inaccurate or exaggerated ways can elevate that risk in vulnerable individuals."

Edited October 21, 2018 by Calm