Thread by @RepDonBeyer

Today is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay

One of the most important things we can do to fight the growing epidemic of suicide in America is talk about it. We have a really bad problem that is getting worse quickly, but we can't help people if we ignore their problems. 1/

First a few notes on the problem, and what we've learned in recent months.

A new CDC shows that the incidence of suicide in the US has risen sharply, by about 30% over the past two decades. 2/ cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/6…

In addition to veterans, more new groups are also starting to show heightened suicide risk:
- Young women businessinsider.com/us-suicide-rat…
- Black children washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-h…
- Farmers cbsnews.com/news/american-…
Most of us probably know someone who has experienced suicidal thoughts. 3/

Despair is also driving huge increases in the number of people who die by overdose. nytimes.com/2018/08/15/ups…

We must not respond to people who feel hopeless by pretending they don't exist or that they don't have problems. Compassion and communication are essential. 4/

So here are some things we can do to help.
usatoday.com/story/news/201…

Awareness, identifying risk signs, and talking about them are essential. We have all been touched by mental illness among our family and friends; we can help end the stigma. 5/ huffingtonpost.com/entry/how-to-t…

We can help those who need it get help.

I recently visited a crisis center where they take calls from a suicide prevention hotline. These people are trained professionals who help save lives.

https://twitter.com/inovaffxtrauma1/status/1039134732280320001?s=11

6/

We can help with policy. The rise in suicide followed a decline in mental health services. businessinsider.com/anthony-bourda…
I formed the bipartisan suicide prevention caucus in Congress to help address this.
afsp.org/giving-thanks-…
We are making some progress. thehill.com/policy/healthc… 7/

State-level policies are key when it comes to funding for mental health services. Many of those funds flow through Medicaid, and I'm thrilled that Virginia has finally expanded the program, which will do so much when it comes to mental health. 8/ richmond.com/news/virginia/…

CDC data also point to guns as a risk factor.
nytimes.com/2018/06/09/us/…
Half of suicides are committed with a gun.
everytownresearch.org/reports/disrup…
Studies show legislation like our #GVROAct which allow the removal of guns from people in crisis can reduce suicide. 9/
huffingtonpost.com/entry/red-flag…

This week #NationalSuicidePreventionWeek and throughout the month of September #SuicideAwarenessMonth I hope you will look at what we are learning about suicide in America, and think about ways that you can support friends and loved ones at risk. All of us can help. 10/10