Weekly News Roundup August 13 – 19, 2022
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How easy access to guns at home contributes to America’s youth suicide problem – The Conversation
August 17, 2022
**Method warning** Suicide rates for young people ages 5 to 17 in the US have increased 50% since 2011, and half of the deaths in this increase are due to firearms. More than 40% of US homes contain firearms. Locking up and unloading guns is one way that parents can help prevent suicide, however, “Locking and unloading all household firearms and storing firearms separately from ammunition substantially mitigates, but does not eliminate, this risk,” according to the authors of this article, Matthew Miller, professor of health sciences and epidemiology, Northeastern University and Deborah Azrael, director of research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Number of suicides in Japan increased 8,000 due to pandemic, study finds – Japan Times
August 17, 2022
A recent study has found that suicides increased by 8000 between March 2020 and June 2022 in Japan. The largest increase in suicides was seen in women in their 20s, however, younger women also saw an increase. “Women, who are more likely to have nonregular jobs than men, tend to be more affected economically, while young people are possibly more likely to be forced into isolation due to behavioral restrictions,” said researcher Taisuke Nakata.
Parents Speak Out After 16-Year-Old Daughter Dies by Suicide Before Start of Senior Year – People
August 17, 2022
McKenna Brown, 16, died by suicide earlier this month, days before beginning her final year at high school. Parents Cheryl and Hunter Brown are encouraging teens to be kind to one another, as Brown experienced cyberbullying as well as “physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.” Brown’s father Hunter said, “She was broken,” he continued. “She was hurt. She was alone. She felt like she didn’t belong, but she chose to suffer in silence because she never said, ‘I need help.’ When you see somebody who is being ostracized or alone or just needs a little hug, pick me up, you know, reach out to them.”
Veterans Affairs says worker ‘inappropriately’ discussed medically assisted death with veteran – Global News
August 16, 2022
A Canadian Forces veteran said he was shocked after being offered medical assistance in dying by a Veterans Affairs Canada employee. The veteran was seeking treatment for PTSD and a traumatic brain injury. Veterans Affairs Canada said in a statement, that, “medical assistance in dying was discussed inappropriately… VAC deeply regrets what transpired… appropriate administrative action will be taken… Providing advice pertaining to medical assistance in dying is not a VAC service…” and agency employees “have no mandate or role to recommend medical assistance in dying to veteran clients.”
The Concerns Looming Over The 988 Mental Health Hotline – NPR
August 16, 2022
Concerns are being raised about the 3-digit Lifeline number in the US, including questions about how states will continue to fund the line’s services once the federal government’s funds run out. Questions have also been raised about the use of police intervention in response to more urgent calls.
‘A long heartbreak’: Tuktoyaktuk vigil calls for greater mental health supports – CBC
August 13, 2022
A vigil was held in Tuktoyaktuk, NWT, in July, to remember the lives of two men who died by suicide. “Suicide deeply affects the whole community,” said Katrina Cockney, who organized the event. “We wanted to come together to light candles and show how, as a community, we can get through anything together… We do care. There are people in our community that are there for you, whether it be … listening or giving advice, or just a shoulder to cry on.” 15-year-old Anara King, an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, says, “Truly listen … if they’re trying to give out signals. You can’t make people’s decisions for them. You can’t force them to go to counselling or therapy or on the land camp. The best thing you can truly truly do … is listen.”