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What about suicide? Rosh Hashanah 5776, r”l. Whether this is vening in a crisis effectively can lead to
MB: Suicide has become a major issue in an exact statistic or not is less important. erasing these thoughts forever.
the general population in the U.S.A. and Even one suicide a year is a tragedy that ◆ “People who threaten suicide are only
Israel. Some significant statistics in the we should attempt to prevent. making empty threats and should be
general population include: ignored.” Actually 75% of completed sui-
◆ Suicide is the leading cause of death Why is it so hard to talk about prevent- cides have made suicide attempts in the
amongst 15 to 24-year-olds in some coun- ing suicide? past.
tries, in other countries it is the second MB: There are many myths that have to ◆ “Only depressed people commit sui-
leading cause of death. be corrected when talking about suicide. cide.” The truth is that risk factors for sui-
◆ Suicide is the fourth leading of cause of Some of those myths are the following: cide are not only mental illness, although
death among children ages 10 to 14. ◆ “People who talk about suicide usually it is an extremely high risk factor. But
◆ Suicide is the tenth leading cause of don’t commit suicide.” The truth is that poor physical health, family history of sui-
death among all individuals worldwide. people who talk about suicide are a high- cide, serious medical illness, substance
◆ There are 20 to 30 times the number of risk group, and their veiled threats should abuse, unemployment, and general loneli-
suicide attempts as there are those who not be ignored. ness are also important risk factors.
die by suicide ◆ “Suicide usually takes place with little
or no warning.” Actually 80% of suicide Does asking about suicidal thoughts
Is the Orthodox community immune to attempts are preceded by clear warning, increase the risk of suicide? Isn’t it better
suicide? anywhere from vague statements to clear to just not talk about it?
MB: While much research has focused on threats. MB: This is what we used to think – that
emuna (faith) in particular and in general ◆ “People who attempt suicide are fully asking about suicidal thoughts increased
as protective factors against suicide, intent on dying.” Actually only 3.5% of the risk of people considering it. To the
unfortunately, the Torah observant com- people who attempt suicide really want to contrary: Silencing the talk only increases
munity is not immune to this tragic phe- die. The rest are sending clear warning rates of suicide, while actively talking
nomenon. I saw one religious media signs to those around them, and they about it may prevent suicide. We now
source recently which reported that 77 should not be ignored. have scientific evidence for this. Recently,
suicides have occurred in the Torah ◆ “People who attempt suicide remain a paper was released that summarized
observant community worldwide since suicidal forever.” The truth is that inter- 225 research papers from the last 10
BY HAROLD ROSINSKY Don’t Panic! Call Atlantic!
443-213-1800
www.atlantic-mechanical.com
Autograph • 410-585-1513 Ready to upgrade
your old bathroom?
From repairs to remodels, and
everything in between, you can trust
Atlantic for all your plumbing needs.
Our highly skilled team of Plumbing Experts THE NAME YOU KNOW AND TRUST FOR OVER 30 YEARS!
bring decades of experience to the table.
We’re dedicated to providing quality, SHOMER SHABBOS • LICENSED & INSURED • SAME DAY SERVICE
eliable and affordable service to each
and every customer, every time. MD Master Plumber/Gas Fitter License #8725 MHIC License #43495
REPAIRS • DRAIN CLEANING • SEWER REPLACEMENTS • REMODELING
78 u www.wherewhatwhen.com u
MB: Suicide has become a major issue in an exact statistic or not is less important. erasing these thoughts forever.
the general population in the U.S.A. and Even one suicide a year is a tragedy that ◆ “People who threaten suicide are only
Israel. Some significant statistics in the we should attempt to prevent. making empty threats and should be
general population include: ignored.” Actually 75% of completed sui-
◆ Suicide is the leading cause of death Why is it so hard to talk about prevent- cides have made suicide attempts in the
amongst 15 to 24-year-olds in some coun- ing suicide? past.
tries, in other countries it is the second MB: There are many myths that have to ◆ “Only depressed people commit sui-
leading cause of death. be corrected when talking about suicide. cide.” The truth is that risk factors for sui-
◆ Suicide is the fourth leading of cause of Some of those myths are the following: cide are not only mental illness, although
death among children ages 10 to 14. ◆ “People who talk about suicide usually it is an extremely high risk factor. But
◆ Suicide is the tenth leading cause of don’t commit suicide.” The truth is that poor physical health, family history of sui-
death among all individuals worldwide. people who talk about suicide are a high- cide, serious medical illness, substance
◆ There are 20 to 30 times the number of risk group, and their veiled threats should abuse, unemployment, and general loneli-
suicide attempts as there are those who not be ignored. ness are also important risk factors.
die by suicide ◆ “Suicide usually takes place with little
or no warning.” Actually 80% of suicide Does asking about suicidal thoughts
Is the Orthodox community immune to attempts are preceded by clear warning, increase the risk of suicide? Isn’t it better
suicide? anywhere from vague statements to clear to just not talk about it?
MB: While much research has focused on threats. MB: This is what we used to think – that
emuna (faith) in particular and in general ◆ “People who attempt suicide are fully asking about suicidal thoughts increased
as protective factors against suicide, intent on dying.” Actually only 3.5% of the risk of people considering it. To the
unfortunately, the Torah observant com- people who attempt suicide really want to contrary: Silencing the talk only increases
munity is not immune to this tragic phe- die. The rest are sending clear warning rates of suicide, while actively talking
nomenon. I saw one religious media signs to those around them, and they about it may prevent suicide. We now
source recently which reported that 77 should not be ignored. have scientific evidence for this. Recently,
suicides have occurred in the Torah ◆ “People who attempt suicide remain a paper was released that summarized
observant community worldwide since suicidal forever.” The truth is that inter- 225 research papers from the last 10
BY HAROLD ROSINSKY Don’t Panic! Call Atlantic!
443-213-1800
www.atlantic-mechanical.com
Autograph • 410-585-1513 Ready to upgrade
your old bathroom?
From repairs to remodels, and
everything in between, you can trust
Atlantic for all your plumbing needs.
Our highly skilled team of Plumbing Experts THE NAME YOU KNOW AND TRUST FOR OVER 30 YEARS!
bring decades of experience to the table.
We’re dedicated to providing quality, SHOMER SHABBOS • LICENSED & INSURED • SAME DAY SERVICE
eliable and affordable service to each
and every customer, every time. MD Master Plumber/Gas Fitter License #8725 MHIC License #43495
REPAIRS • DRAIN CLEANING • SEWER REPLACEMENTS • REMODELING
78 u www.wherewhatwhen.com u
