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+--- Thread: Hawaii County Highest Suicide Rate (/showthread.php?tid=16228)
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Hawaii County Highest Suicide Rate - opihikao - 07-30-2015
FYI:
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/29669678/hawaii-county-sees-most-suicides-in-state
(*Snipped - More at link)
Suicide has surpassed traffic fatalities as the number one cause of death in Hawaii and Hawaii County is seeing the most instances in the state.
The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports that the most recent data available through the Department of health shows between 2010 and 2014 Hawaii County had 952 nonfatal suicide attempts and 180 deaths due to suicide. About 96 people per 100,000 on the island attempt and die from suicide, well above the next highest rate of 76.6 people per 100,000 on Kauai. Maui's rate was 76, and Honolulu's was 53.1. The state average is 62.6 suicide deaths per 100,000 people.
Hawaii County Prosecutor Mitch Roth called the suicide rate an "epidemic."
We must be "maka'ala" (alert, aware, vigilant, watchful) for signs that our loved ones are in depression, feel hopeless, feel alone, etc. Some have the potential to resort to suicide as an answer to the never ending pain one feels.
Extending a helping hand, or just an ear, and a hug or two, along with encouragement goes along way. Some refuse professional help, and are embarrassed to ask for help. Our keiki are also at risk.
Sadly, I speak from personal experience, as my beloved husband committed suicide. Our ohana will never be the same, however, we carry on, knowing his pain has finally subsided.
Mahalo ke Akua for your grace.
JMO.
RE: Hawaii County Highest Suicide Rate - pahoated - 07-30-2015
Thanks to journalism descending into the equivalent of gutter gossip, this reporting fails to distinguish how many of these people are locals born here or whether they aren't tourists flying in specifically for that purpose or ending up in circumstances that lead to them thinking that is the only choice.
We can thank the mainland for this new breed of tourism, that Hawaii being the worst place to do business with the highest cost of living, is also the best place to die. Yes, it is becoming a thing.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/26/suicide-tourism-hawaii_n_7674410.html
In Hawaii, "Suicide Tourism" Is More Common Than You Might Think
"Aloha also means goodbye. Aloha!"
RE: Hawaii County Highest Suicide Rate - HereOnThePrimalEdge - 07-30-2015
ted,
That article was about Maui, which has a much lower rate than Hawaii Island.
If you want a statistical breakdown, the only detail that's important is why a person would feel so depressed they take their own life. But we can't really know as sometimes it's just a person's genetic disposition, and not everyone leaves a note.
Thanks for posting opihikao, it's an important issue. Certainly not a category in which we want our island to lead the state.
I'm sorry for your loss, and know it was a difficult time for you and your family. And probably always will be.
RE: Hawaii County Highest Suicide Rate - EightFingers - 07-30-2015
According to the CDC, Hawaii suicide rate is about 13 people per 100,000. I remember reading that article and thinking "something's not right here.".
RE: Hawaii County Highest Suicide Rate - SBH - 07-30-2015
I am so sorry you lost your husband Opihikao.
RE: Hawaii County Highest Suicide Rate - Tink - 07-30-2015
Belated condolences as well, Opihikao.
Community begins with Aloha
RE: Hawaii County Highest Suicide Rate - opihikao - 07-30-2015
Mahalo for your kind thoughts, HOTPE, SBH, and Tink. Our ohana remains strong, given the difficult circumstances. We hope through our experience that other families who endure this kind of loss, don't feel alone. Hopefully, through open discussion, the stigma of suicide is lessened, especially in a small town.
Fortunately, there are so many support groups, professionals, and most important, family members (and friends) who can help the person through a "dark" moment in time. Once the signs are apparent, and become repetitive, please make sure help is afforded. Suicide affects so many people when a loved one chooses to end their life.
We will never be the same, but we are survivors.
Many thanks again. Aloha to you all.
JMO.
The Hawaii Suicide and Crisis Hotline:
1-800-753-6879
ETA: Toll free number
RE: Hawaii County Highest Suicide Rate - beepbeep - 07-30-2015
opihikao, my heart goes out to you and your family. You will all always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam in CA
RE: Hawaii County Highest Suicide Rate - opihikao - 07-30-2015
quote:Mahalo, Pam, as you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Awaiting your return to Hawai'i nei. Positive thoughts equal positive results! (big hug)
Originally posted by beepbeep
opihikao, my heart goes out to you and your family. You will all always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam in CA
RE: Hawaii County Highest Suicide Rate - TomK - 07-30-2015
Dear Opihikao,
I am so sorry to learn about your husband's death in such tragic circumstances. Your advice is excellent, as ever. My own family has a history of depression and I remember a time many years ago when I was a teenager when our closest family friends lost two brothers within a year to suicide. I didn't understand it then, but over the years I've come to understand the illness a little better.
My favourite sport is cricket, in fact I'm a cricket nut, but one of England's finest cricketers, one of my favourite players, was a victim of depression. He survived, fortunately, and was brave enough to write a book about his experience. It's called "Coming back to me" by Marcus Trescothick.
There are a couple of quotes from the book I cannot forget, and suspect they are relevant here.
"But depression doesn't care who it attacks; if it wants you, you cannot beat it off with a CV or a bank balance."
And
"I learned that depression often hits people who appear strong, often the sort others rely on. Friends and family are usually surprised when they get ill; indeed they are the last person you would expect to have a breakdown.
But, as I found out, it makes sense. A weak person will never get stressed enough to become ill: he will simply give up. A strong person, however, will try to overcome difficulties. Moreover, a sensitive person will feel obliged to keep struggling because he doesn't want to disappoint people."
I doubt this helps, but at least you are now aware other people are starting to understand this devastating illness and how it affects everyone. Again, I'm so sorry you lost your husband to this cruel disease.
Tom