September was designated National Suicide Prevention month. During the month, based on prior figures, 3,960 Americans will have died by suicide, that’s 132 every day.

If you care to read more gruesome statistics, here are some that were compiled for the year 2021. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, and the third leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds. Percentage-wise, the age group that has the most suicide deaths is the over 80-year-olds. One out of every 25 suicide attempts results in a death.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the suicide rate among males is four time higher than the rate among females. The rates also vary by other factors.

As far as race/ethnicity, those with the highest rates in their group are non-Hispanic Native Americans followed by non-Hispanic White people. Those in certain occupations such as construction or mining have higher-than-average rates as well as those who live in rural communities. Young people who identify as non-heterosexual have higher rates than their peers. Those who have experienced bullying, domestic or child abuse, or sexual violence will turn to suicide as a way out.

For every death caused by suicide, there are many more attempts. The health concerns that follow may be overwhelming. Medical treatment for physical injury, long-term emotional and mental health support, as well as the toll on family and friends as they deal with their own reactions to their loved-one’s depression and desperation, and the struggle to understand and prevent it from happening again.

The more that we can do to prevent this serious health problem, the better off we will all be, as the cost to society in general is far-reaching. The CDC reports that “in 2020, the financial toll of suicide and non-fatal self-harm cost the nation over $500 billion in medical costs, work loss costs, value of statistical life and quality of life costs.”

Basically, four strategies for prevention are recommended by the CDC: Strengthening economic supports, creating protective environments — including reducing access to lethal means, improving access and delivery of medical and mental health care, and promoting healthy social connections. Some things can be done on an individual basis, others require governmental and social organizational involvement.

Not surprisingly, firearms are the most common method used in suicides, contributing to well over half. A much higher percentage of attempts via firearms result in death compared to any other method. This is an important reason that firearms need to be regulated. Those with a history of mental disorder, suicidal tendencies, or violent behavior, should not have easy access to a firearm.

In 2004, the National Research Council studied the connection between firearms and suicide, and concluded that “empirical research on the causal effects of firearm availability on the risk of suicide is consistent with the claim that firearms increase suicide risk. There are, however, theoretical or logical arguments for believing firearms elevate suicide risk that are sufficiently compelling that individuals and policymakers might reasonably choose to assume that gun availability does increase the risk of suicide.” It is believed that if the length of time that it takes for a person in crisis to obtain a gun can be increased, it then increases the likelihood that either the critical moment can pass or that intervention can arrive. A spur of the moment action like grabbing a gun and pulling a trigger cannot be retracted.

Help is available from a trained crisis counselor on the CDC suicide and crisis lifeline by dialing 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. Information is readily available online at cdc.gov/suicide.

One group that I didn’t mention before, because I want to give it special attention, is our military veterans. A group especially hit by the suicide crisis; it is sad to report that we lose an average of 22 veterans to suicide in this country per day. The epidemic of PTSD will take the lives of 22 American heroes every day.

This is unacceptable.

They served and sacrificed for us, now when they need our support, it should be there for them. There is a stigma associated with asking for help, especially for our veterans, so we need to know how to watch for any signs that they may be dealing with a crisis and how to react. In an effort to bring awareness for what our veterans may be going through, a movement called Stop 22 was developed. The VFW has organized marches across the country to alert the public to this problem.

Locally, a Walk-a-thon is being planned at the Silver Creek Samuel Cimino Post 6472, by its auxiliary with help from the Sheridan Memorial Post 6390 auxiliary. It will be held on today, Oct. 14 and begin at the post with registration at 9 a.m. for a 22-minute walk around the village beginning at 10 a.m., symbolizing the 22 lives lost that day.

Everyone is invited to walk, make a sign, show our veterans that we care about them. Donations will go to support the effort to help our veterans who suffer post-traumatic stress, deal with pain from injuries, or other hardships.

The VA has a Crisis Line especially for veterans. Like the CDC, they can dial 988, but then press 1. The VA encourages veterans to seek support rather than letting life’s challenges become overwhelming. Information on available resources specifically for veterans can be found online at VA.gov/REACH.

We find ourselves in the month of October, the month after suicide prevention month, and the month before November when we observe Veterans’ Day.

From the first day of this month, till Veterans’ Day, of the 5,544 deaths due to suicide that are expected to occur in the U.S., at least 946 will be veterans. Let’s try to Stop 22 — and more, to reduce these numbers going forward.

Susan Bigler is a Sheridan resident.