Suicide: 59 Crawford County residents dead in 10 years

BUCYRUS - Suicide is a much bigger problem in Crawford County than suspected, a new report has revealed.

It's so bad that the suicide rate of county residents — per capita — is greater than those of both Ohio and the entire United States, according to Kate Siefert, health commissioner of Crawford County.

"Suicide is an issue," Siefert said. "These people need a doctor. They need treatment, and then they can feel better."

The study came about after Siefert became frustrated that suicide numbers were so foggy — when a person dies, the death certificates stays in the county where the individual's life ended. Crawford County numbers were becoming skewed because of travelers who died while inside the county's borders. Residents of the county also frequently die elsewhere.

Shocking statistics

To find a better gauge, Siefert asked the Ohio Department of Health to run a report of all death certificates in the state from the past 10 years, focusing only on Crawford County residents whose manner of death was listed as suicide, regardless of where they were when they died.

She learned that 59 residents Crawford County residents had successfully ended their own lives in the last decade.

"I was shocked," Siefert said.

But Crawford County suicides aren't typical, Siefert discovered. The national trend sees teenagers leading the way in self-inflicted death, but here the average age of suicide victims is 44½.

"I think that's a kudos to our school districts," Siefert said. "It's a sign prevention efforts can work."

More:Levy helps prevent suicide, reduce addiction

More:Ohio family shares veteran suicide story to help others

She hopes programs for school-aged children continue, and that similar programs for middle-aged and even older adults will continue to expand.

Employment statistics were another surprise for Siefert. She said national trends indicate an increase in farmer suicides, but none were reported from Crawford County residents.

She said 34 percent of the suicides by county residents were committed by factory workers.

"You can't stereotype the impact of mental health," Siefert said. "It affects all ages and occupations."

Watching for the signs of suicide

Signs someone might be contemplating suicide are withdrawal from family and friends, excessive risk-taking, thwarted belonging, showing rage or talking about revenge and even a sudden change in physical appearance or personality.

Siefert said anyone considering suicide can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day at 800-273-8255, or can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

"I think people need to become comfortable with the conversation," Siefert said. "Knowing there's help and that they can reach out. Taking that first step really can make a difference in someone's life."

ztuggle@gannett.com

419-564-3508

Twitter: @zachtuggle

Local Resources

There are many local agencies ready to help.

Affinity HealthWorks, LLC.: 419-562-2400

Crawford-Marion ADAMH: 419-562-7288

Community Counseling: 419-562-2000

Contact: 419-562-9010 or 419-468-9081

Family Life Counseling: 567-560-3583

MaryHaven: 419-562-1740 NAMI

Marion & Crawford Counties: 740-375-0796

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255