[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 127 (Thursday, September 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNITION OF SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK SEPT. 6-12

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 10, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the week of September 6 through September 12 as National Suicide 
Prevention Week. Suicide is a public health problem and suicide 
prevention is a responsibility we all must share.
  The reality of suicide is staggering. Did you know that in the United 
States more people die by suicide each year than homicide? Suicide is 
now the leading cause of death among people from the age 15 to 24. In 
fact, the suicide rate for those 15-24 years old has more than doubled 
since the mid-1950s.
  It is estimated that 5 million people in the United States are 
survivors of a loved one's suicide. Many of us, myself included, have 
been touched by teenage suicide. For every completed suicide by a 
youth, it is estimated that 100 to 200 attempts are made. Each year, 
there are approximately 10 youth suicides for every 100,000 youth. Each 
day, there are nearly a dozen youth suicides, and every 2 hours and 5 
minutes, a person under the age of 25 commits suicide.
  Most suicidal individuals do not want to die, but they do not know 
how to end the pain they are experiencing nor do they comprehend the 
permanence of their act. They use their behavior as a means of coping 
with stress and calling out for help. We must assist these individuals. 
Not all adolescent attempters may admit their intent so we must look 
for the signs of at-risk behavior, such as the expression of 
hopelessness, sadness, or threats to hurt oneself. We must be aware of 
the abuse of drugs or alcohol, withdrawal from family and friends, or 
increased aggressive or impulsive behavior.
  When suicidal behaviors are detected early, lives can be saved. As a 
community, we must promote awareness that suicide is a public health 
problem and develop strategies to reduce the stigma associated with 
mental health and suicide prevention services. There are services 
available in our communities to address the behaviors and underlying 
causes of suicide. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting 
National Suicide Prevention Week, because together we can reduce the 
number of lives shaken by a needless and tragic death.

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