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So let\u2019s talk about the alarming suicide crisis and how raising awareness can prevent more deaths and attempts\u2026

When people talk about suicide, we usually focus on the final act alone, where people take their own lives and eventually pass away.

The truth is beneath the surface, suicide is actually a lot more than just the act of committing it.

Did you know that around 700,000 deaths happen per year, making suicide one of the world\u2019s leading causes of death?

Imagine how many lives we could or could\u2019ve saved, only if we\u2019d start recognizing how serious this is!

We cannot allow the numbers to rise.

Join me as we put this issue at the forefront of people\u2019s minds.

Why you need to check this episode:

• Find out how alarming suicide actually is, based on the World Health Organization\u2019s and Centers for Disease and Prevention\u2019s statistics;
• Recognize the power and importance of talking about the suicide crisis; and
• Understand how there\u2019s more to suicide cases than just the final act of taking one\u2019s life and passing away

\u201cAs a healthcare provider, I always say, you are fighting with your patients to get them to the most optimal health as you can. If you\u2019re not arming yourself with the information\u2014the updated and factual research\u2014to help them become the best person that they can be, then you are doing yourselves a disservice.\u201d\u2013 Dr. Berry Pierre

Notable Quotes:

\u201cWhenever I talk about a topic, I do love to give numbers, because I think when you give numbers, it gives context and allows people to understand like \u2018Hey, this isn\u2019t some rare thing he\u2019s talking about. This is something that affects me kind of through and through.\u201d \u2013 Dr. Berry Pierre

\u201cI don\u2019t want people to think that those who want to commit or think about committing suicide are just walking around, sulking. A lot of times, they do a great job in the general public, being able to say and just kind of hide how they\u2019re off.\u201d \u2013 Dr. Berry Pierre

\u201cThis isn\u2019t a problem that is getting better. This isn\u2019t a problem that is stable. This is a problem that is worsening.\u201d \u2013 Dr. Berry Pierre

\u201cWe have a problem that is not getting better, and yes, the pandemic definitely played a role. Being on lockdown, being alone, and being with these thoughts, I\u2019m pretty sure it played a role; I\u2019m not going to tell you that it did not. And not to say that we shouldn\u2019t have lockdowns, because that\u2019s another discussion; but it definitely added to a problem that was already there.\u201d \u2013 Dr. Berry Pierre

\u201cWhatever the timeframe you need to do it in, it needs to be done. We can\u2019t continue to allow the numbers to continue to rise and us, as a healthcare force, not talk about it.\u201d \u2013 Dr. Berry Pierre

\u201cAs a healthcare provider, I always say, you are fighting with your patient to get them to the most optimal health as you can. If you\u2019re not arming yourself with the information\u2014the updated and factual research\u2014to help them become the best person that they can be, then you are doing yourselves as a disservice.\u201d \u2013 Dr. Berry Pierre

\u201cIf you can\u2019t solve their issues or concerns, which again, I don\u2019t suggest you do, recognize that there are people in the back who are willing to help and support you, just like that 988 crisis line.\u201d \u2013 Dr. Berry Pierre

If you or someone you care about is experiencing mental health-related distress and needs support, reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline via call, text, or chat at 988lifeline.org. This is completely free and confidential, available 24/7/365.

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Resources:

• Suicide data from CDC
• Suicide data from WHO
• Latest Suicide Data and Change Over the Last Decade