Too Many Self-Inflicted Deaths

McLean Hospital Guest Blogger Hilary Smith Connery, MD, PhD Self-inflicted injury is now the 8th leading cause of mortality, while suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. That's a stunning number of people dying by their own hand in one form or another, and in addition to galvanizing public health prevention efforts, these statistics pose an urgent need to identify root causes and more effective treatment systems. Treatment works, but beyond having access to appropriate medical and psychological help, the social environment is critical to creating successful recovery opportunities for those suffering from mental health and substance use disorders. I am asking my readers to commit to help prevent these unnatural deaths. We can make a difference if each of us commits to taking on one opportunity for improvement, ones that are embedded in our homes, our schools, our worksites, and our communities. Here are a few suggestions based on current evidence of what we understand contributes to self-harm deaths. Feel free to commit to your own innovative ideas, but please, do not stand by and accept the premature loss of another father, mother, sister, brother, or child. Avoid treating persons with mental health or substance use disorders with negativity I'm talking about stigma. Understand that brain diseases are chronic medical illnesses that respond to safe and effective medications and scientifically demonstrated therapies. If you know someone who appea...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news