In and throughout any and every culture of the world, the instance of suicide is seen as a tragedy of complicated and horrendous proportions. Having had the instance of this tragedy close to this authors own family, it remains close to home regarding the impact and the long term effects that perpetuate in so many ways leaving loved ones in states of long-ranging shock and emotional trauma that never truly ever heals entirely.

When the statistics became apparent regarding the presence of suicide amongst the youth of the Native American culture, it sent even this authors eyebrows to a height in stark surprise. It is a vast given that in no way should there be any blockades to the help that is needed by anyone in need of some help and especially when any factor of such a discussion begins to focus on the needs of the youths of the world. Where most usually think of such a body of souls as being young, bright, brilliant, and yes, all to be brilliant of themselves in so many ways, it unfortunately remains that many simply do not receive the help and the outreach services that they require for so many reasons.

Culturally appropriate service providers, funding sources ever presently diminishing, a high turnover amongst professionals trying to meet the great demands in times of great stress and challenge are only several of the challenges that strain the abilities of mental health and youth outreach centers across the world to try and help. The Native American community is no different except in the needs of the culture and to the specifics of the community.

The following statistics only begin to scratch the surface of the stark realism this author is attempting to make some aware of as he himself has now become aware.

From 1999 to 2004, Native American/Alaska Native males in the 15 to 24 year old age group had the highest suicide rate, 27.99 per 100,000, compared to white (17.54 per 100,000), black (12.80 per 100,000), and Asian/Pacific Islander (8.96 per 100,000) males of the same age. - Source: The Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

Given the many hurdles that some communities do face even in the best of times, not to speak of when in the midst of bad economic periods as we are facing in our current age, many communities tend to underutilize good mental health services for its youth and the Native American population is no different. Of course this is presuming that such services remain readily available to those who seek it and when they are not available, some of the major challenges include funding, culturally appropriate and culturally educated service providers, a committed staff with the resources it needs being available and the levels of community education that only begin to face the issue and the stigma of suicide square in the eyes.

This author only adds his voice to the so many others of the nation and to the world to ask that souls take some time to learn of some of the sources of, the warning signs indicating and of the help that is available for the youth of your community.

Suicide "IS" preventable!

All it takes is someone who is concerned in every community to reach out to others who are also concerned, and to reach out to the Native American youth who might just be too scared to reach out for help themselves!

Take an active part in meeting this tragedy head on and work with those who truly might wish for someone to reach out to them.

Silence does not work, presence does!

Please do not fear to reach out to help and to reach out for help!

As Always,

WD Allan

© Copyright 2010, WD Allan, Spiritualitymoment.com

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