SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Suicide continues to be a serious issue in Illinois.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Illinois Chapter Board Chair Philip Martinez tells the WTAX Morning Newswatch it remains a top cause of death here.
“In the state of Illinois alone, between the ages of 15 and 24, (suicide is) the third-leading cause of death,” said Martinez. “Between the ages of 10 and 24, it’s only exceeded by homicide and accidents. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death. Through the lifespan, overall, it’s the 13th leading cause of death in Illinois.”
The good news, Martinez says, is that suicides seem to be on the decline, which suggests his organization and others are getting through to a lot of younger people about how suicide isn’t worth it.
When it comes to trying to help those thinking about suicide, the sort-of tough love approach may work better than just expressing kindness to someone thinking about it.
“We encourage people to be very direct,” said Martinez. “As difficult or as awkward as it may be, you ask someone, ‘Are you thinking about taking your life? Are you thinking about suicide?'”
That’s a tip you can receive if you attend this Saturday’s annual “Out of the Darkness Walk” at the University of Illinois Springfield Student Union. The walk will also include other activities and other resources. Registration starts in the noon hour.
Other walks will be held Saturday in Bloomington-Normal and DeKalb.
