Suicide statistics sad but reversible

September is National Suicide Month, something that should garner more attention seven days a week, every month of the year. Especially up here. Why? Because each year Alaska ranks among the nation’s per capita leaders in suicide. This is something we should all be ashamed of as Alaskans. I know I am. There are other dubious records we are near the top of as well, such as violence against women and children. Statistics like that are ones we need to address, take on and take out in that order.

Let’s take it one issue at a time. Suicide, the act of taking one’s life, is an act that destroys not only the victim but the family as well. How many families in this state have been affected is stunning. Alaska Natives, LGBT people and veterans make up a good hunk of those numbers. We have fairly large populations of all three. But suicide affects everyone no matter what or who they are.

I have two strikes against me right now. I’m a veteran – more specifically a war veteran with all the hurts that go with it and PTSD is a major factor in my life. Nationwide, veterans are a group that stills holds that awful record of 22 self-inflicted lives lost per day – a record that hasn't really changed in years, and one I am personally sick of honestly. That sad fact alone makes my blood boil in frustration.

The second strike is that I’m an Alaskan. I may not have been born here (I was born back east in New Bedford, Mass.). I may not have spent most of my life here, having moved frequently due to my military service. But for the last 10 years I have lived and worked in Alaska, and I have come to love this land, this people, this community with all my heart. Alaska is my home and lives deep within not only my heart but in my very soul.

So as an Alaskan I share those sad suicide statistics with everyone else living here. Sad because suicide is preventable. We can take this on to lower those numbers and that hideous rank down a notch or two – heck, make it three or more. Now how do we that?

Know the enemy. That is something I learned in the Army. Know who they are, what their tactics and weapons are. Train to combat them. Use the knowledge gained for victory. In this case the enemy is suicide. So we must learn the signs of suicide to combat it.

Here are some of them: Anger or depression, no sense of purpose, withdrawal, sudden mood changes, talking about wanting to die, increased drug/alcohol use, changes in sleep patterns, reckless behavior, anxiety, putting affairs in order, or giving away possessions. These are just some of the tactics of the enemy; know them look for them in your life, in the lives of your loved ones, fellow veterans and friends.

Knowing is half the battle. Now what can be done about it when this monster creeps into someone's life? Who knows, it may be your own life that comes into jeopardy. This is a monster, make no mistake about it – a life-taking one with an ugly appetite for more. Our mission is to starve it to extinction.

Don’t be afraid to speak up. If you see someone going through the signs of suicide, say something. Be supportive and positive. Sometimes by just talking openly and directly about the issue you can prevent that person from taking their life. The word suicide is not a forbidden word at all. Being direct could actually help someone open up.

Doing nothing can be a major mistake, one that will bring a lifetime of regrets for all involved. That also means don't be afraid of calling 911 or a suicide prevention hot line to get help. Never be afraid of calling in the experts. Better safe than very, very sorry. I have had a few friends try to take their lives. I called 911 and they are still alive to this day. If you are uncomfortable about it, but feel the situation is real and immediate by all means dial 911. There is no shame when dealing with suicide. A human life hangs in the balance. Help, any help, here is very welcome.

The internet can provide valuable tools and information on suicide. I will list those sites and the phone listings I have been using for this article at the end. Keep the info handy, as a just-in-case tool to use if thoughts turn toward suicide. I have the number for the veterans’ suicide hotline posted on my refrigerator door. I'm not suicidal, but I do know that in reality, it could happen to me or a brother veteran at anytime. Mama didn’t raise a fool, that is for certain.

As a veteran, this epidemic of suicide among my veteran brothers and sisters is deeply disturbing, a sad subject I will combat as long I’m able to draw breath. Alaska is also near and dear to my heart, and the state’s record on suicide is equally disturbing to me. We can find much better things to be near the top of the rankings, now can’t we?

Suicide affects everyone living in Alaska and in the nation as well. It makes victims of us all – especially if we do nothing to prevent it. We can do this people, we can do this right. Here are those numbers and websites for your information:

National Suicide Prevention Hot Line & Veterans Crisis hotline: 1-800-273-8255Stop Suicide Alaska. ORG: 1-877-266-HELPSuicide Prevention Lifeline at suicidepreventionlifeline.orgSuicide is Preventable: suicideispreventable.orgVeteran Crisis Line: veteranscrisisline.net

This column is the opinion of Wasilla resident Dan Grota, who retired from the U.S. Army after more than 21 years of service. Email him at news@frontiersman.com.