Suicide is a serious public health problem. Suicide affects people of all ages. In 2021 suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10-64. The CDC reported that "2021 suicide was responsible for 48,183 deaths, about one death every 11 minutes.” There are no fixed rules about why people self-harm, which can be very different for everyone.  For many, self-harm is linked to specific experiences and is a way of dealing with something happening now or in the past. For others, the reasons are unclear and can be harder to understand.

The "story behind the curve" helps us understand why the data on suicide ideation by death rate percentage is how it is in our community. Knowing the root causes of our community problems gives us a better chance of finding the right solutions together. Cumberland County is home to roughly 300,000 community members, including some of the population from the 2^nd largest military based here in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Fort Liberty.  Since 2014 our data has shown a steady increase in suicide deaths.  Any problematic experience can cause someone to self-harm. Common reasons include pressures at school or work; bullying; money worries; sexual, physical, or emotional abuse; bereavement; sexuality; breakdown of a relationship; loss of a job; an illness or health problem; low self-esteem; an increase in stress; complicated feelings, such as depression, anxiety, anger, stigma, or numbness.

As a community, we are focusing our attention on the alarming numbers of suicides and finding ways to increase the community and societal levels that influence the risk and protective factors of military veterans and the surrounding community members.

What's helping? These are the positive forces at work in our community and, beyond that, influence this issue.

• General growing focus/interest in mental health
• Intentional convening of stakeholders to address mental health challenges
• Partnerships between health, social service, and government sectors
• Mental Health Frist Aid

What's hurting? These are the negative forces at work in our community and beyond that influence this issue.

• Limited resources/funding for mental health programs
• Perception of the issue
• Substance misuse and neglect
• Capacity of behavioral/mental healthcare providers
• Generational trauma
• Stigma around mental health treatment
• Barriers to care from language and cultural differences

Reference:

Facts About Suicide | Suicide | CDC