More Risk for Suicide in Minot | Video

Amy Fox | 9/10/2012

Every 15 minutes in the United States, a teenager commits suicide. Suicide numbers are staggering and they`re only getting worse.

In 2011, 36,000 people committed suicide in the United States.

Unfortunately, it`s a trend that`s showing up in North Dakota.

As Dakota Family Services Psychologist Dr. Richard Townsend explains, suicide can happen to anyone, at any time.

"People that really did not have a lot of outward signs, they were at risk and of course, we can never know what was going on inside the person,” said Townsend.

Suicide can be caused by a number of factors, like a traumatic situation.

Townsend said, "If you have somebody in the military who are far from home and is depressed and perhaps feels traumatize by some of the things that have gone on whether it is in a combat situation or whether it`s in basic training in that manner."

Another group high on the list is oil workers.

"They may be making a lot of money, but they`re living under very stressful and difficult conditions,” said Townsend. “Some of them have seen very tragic events or a lot of injuries out there in the oil field."

Natural disasters like last year`s flood not only leave behind flood debris, but it can also leave behind the warning signs of suicide, like sleepless nights, anxiety, and even excessive usage of alcohol and drugs.

"It`s been terribly stressful and difficult this year for a lot of people. A lot of people lost their homes and some of them lost a lot of their possession. A lot of people are living in difficult circumstances,” explains Townsend.

And, as Townsend explains, when people undergo a great deal of sadness and grief, it’s something that sticks with them.

"Most people that make that decision are not making it suddenly impulsive.

It`s something that`s been in their head, in their thoughts and in their minds for a long time," said Townsend.

But, in most instances, suicide warning signs can be recognized and treated before it`s too late.

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