Beltrami. Becker, Hubbard counties rank above state suicide average

You might be surprised and saddened -- we were -- to learn that Becker County has the second-highest youth suicide rate in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Health looked at suicides over a 15-year span in people age 5 to 34, and Becker County ranked No. 2 in the state, with an adjusted rate of 18 deaths per 100,000 people -- twice the state average.

By comparison, Clay County's youth suicide rate is 6, and the state average is 8.9.

Beltrami County, with Bemidji as the county seat, ranked No. 1 with a rate of 21.2.

In Becker County, more than half the suicides during the period studied (1990 to 2005) were among people age 34 or younger. The study was released two years ago.

There were 65 suicides of all ages during that period, giving Becker County a ranking of No. 6 in the state.

Surrounding counties fare a little better -- Hubbard County has an overall rate of 13.5 (its youth rate is not significant) and Otter Tail County has an overall rate of 12.3 (and a youth rate of 12.6).

Mahnomen County is not included on either list, meaning it had 20 or fewer suicides during the time period.

Why are we bringing all this up? This is suicide prevention week, and as the statistics show, it's not a threat to be taken lightly: The number of Minnesotans who die by suicide each year is nearly five times higher than the number of murder victims.

"Suicide results in the tragic loss of life as well as agonizing grief, fear and confusion in families and communities," said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Sanne Magnan. "There are simple steps Minnesotans can take to be aware of the warning signs of suicide and to help prevent it."

Know the warning signs. They include:

• Statements about hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness.

• Sudden change from a depressed mood to a happier, calmer mood.

• Giving away cherished possessions.

• Isolating oneself from friends or family.

• Making arrangements or setting one's affairs in order.

• Direct or indirect statements that reference death or dying.

Other risk factors include substance use, recent crisis or loss, family history of suicide or mental illness, access to firearms or other lethal means, past experiences of trauma, and chronic pain that doesn't respond to treatment.
Talk about it: If you are concerned about someone, ask that person whether they have thought about suicide. Research indicates that asking the following kinds of questions does not cause a person to start thinking about suicide.

Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up? When you feel sad, have you ever had thoughts of harming or killing yourself?

Are you thinking about killing yourself? Have you thought about how you would do it?

You may need to ask the questions more than once, and in different ways. In response, do your best to listen without judgment. Let them know you care, that he or she is not alone, and that help is available. Offer to help them find a doctor or counselor, or offer to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline with them.

If someone is in immediate crisis, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Do not hesitate to make such a call if you suspect that someone may be in danger. It could save that person's life.