Story Published:
May 12, 2009 at 6:58 PM MST
Story Updated:
May 12, 2009 at 6:58 PM MST
BILLINGS - Montana has the third highest suicide rate in the nation. The 2 states with a higher per capita rate of suicide in the nation are Alaska and Wyoming, states that share characteristics with Montana.
Leading experts to believe there's something inherent about wide-open spaces and a frontier attitude that contribute to the public health crisis known as suicide.
The characteristics that make Montana beautiful, also make it deadly. "Part of that is remote areas, that access to help is difficult, even if the person would like to get there," says Dr. Donald Harr, a retired psychologist.
But in many cases, Montanans suffer with depression or other mental illnesses in silence. "That Montana frontier attitude. I can handle it myself. I don't need to ask for help. Especially for men, it would indicate I'm less of a man if I asked for help. What people don't realize is asking for help when you need it is a strength," says Harr.
Dr. Harr says depression isn't something you should try to tackle alone. However many don't seek help because of the stigma attached to mental illness.
"This is not a problem of bad character, it's not a problem that people are possessed by demons, they're not bad people. It's an illness, a medical illness like heart disease."
Over the past few years Montana's resources have been growing. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention started a Montana chapter in 2001 and began their "Out of the Darkness" walks in 2004. The Community Crisis Center in Billings opened up in 2006. And Joan Nye, with AFSP, says they're always working for more awareness and prevention.
"Suicide is one of the most preventable causes of death," says Nye. Nye lost her son to suicide almost 10 years ago and believes things would be different if she had known what she knows now.
"It's okay to talk about suicide," says Nye. And both Nye and Dr. Harr say asking the person you love if they're considering taking their life could be the opportunity to talk they need.
Dr. Harr says often people just needs a window of hope because all the conditions that lead to suicide are treatable. Nye says they're working to get the documentary "More than Sad" shown in middle schools and high schools across Montana and to parents and educators so that people learn to recognize the signs. That's just one of the many projects they're working on that they think can help take Montana further down the list of suicide rates.
;)
You have indicated this comment should be removed.
The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .