Editorial: Silence is contributor to suicides

It is not easy to talk about suicide. When the subject comes up, most people feel uncomfortable, invariably looking to change the conversation to another topic that doesn't have such a stigma attached to it. But ignoring the issue hasn't made it go away.

In 1997, the latest year for available statistics, the federal government reported that suicide was the eighth leading cause of death in the United States, up from the ninth most prevalent cause in 1996. About 30,000 die every year from suicide, much more than the 19,000 homicides a year. Despite the empirical evidence establishing its severity, when was the last time you heard politicians clamor for more government funding to wage a "war on suicide."

Nevada is painfully aware of suicide's impact. This state perennially has one of the highest rates, with about 24 suicides for every 100,000 residents -- double the national average. There are a variety of theories as to why Nevada fares so poorly. Some independent research contends that legalized gambling is a major contributor, but a recent study funded by the gaming industry asserts there is no such link. Too often the research on gambling's impact has taken on political overtones, with the research getting mired in a debate over gambling's morality.

Despite the public silence on suicide, there does appear to be reason for guarded optimism. On July 28 U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher issued 15 recommendations, including a campaign to increase suicide awareness and a call for more research into its causes. Lending a show of support for Satcher was a longtime advocate for mental health awareness, Tipper Gore, the vice president's wife. Also on hand was Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., whose father shot himself to death in 1972. Reid stressed the importance of talking openly about suicide, noting that it took him 24 years to publicly speak about his father's death.

Closer to home, Reid was able to secure funding to create the Suicide Prevention Center at the University of Nevada's School of Medicine. The doctors leading the research told the Sun's Cheryl Miller in a story Tuesday that they will focus on suicide as something that can be prevented. They want to look beyond anecdotes and pore over medical reports and statistics, searching for trends and even solutions.

It is incumbent on government at all levels to increase funding for mental health, including money for suicide research and prevention. In addition, while some health insurance plans provide for mental health care coverage, the reality is most plans are severely limited. But even with all the funding in the world, unless people are willing to discuss this issue and intervene when they believe someone is in trouble, the problem will not diminish.

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