New Hampshire's Progress in Suicide Prevention: A Cause for Hope Amid Challenges

In a recent article published by the Concord Monitor, it was reported that New Hampshire has been making strides in its efforts to combat suicide. According to the 2022 Annual Suicide Report, jointly compiled by the National Alliance on Mental Illness NH, the State Suicide Prevention Council, and the Youth Suicide Prevention Assembly, the state has seen a consistent decline in suicide death rates since 2018.

The report found a promising trend, showing a steady decrease in suicide deaths from 2 individuals per 10,000 population in 2018 to 1.6 per 10,000 population by 2021. This decline is linked to the collective efforts of various organizations and stakeholders dedicated to suicide prevention in New Hampshire.

Amy Cook, chair of the suicide prevention council, expressed optimism about this positive trend, emphasizing the hope it brings to the community. "To see the rate drop two points again and again, that was just really hopeful," she said.

However, in all this progress, Cook remains cautious about the potential impact of the ongoing pandemic on mental health. As more data becomes available, there are concerns about the effects of the pandemic on vulnerable populations, such as veterans and LGBTQ+ youth. Cook see the challenges ahead but remains hopeful that the state can maintain its progress toward reducing suicide rates.

The impact of a physician-assisted suicide (PAS) bill could impact suicide rates, too. A PAS bill could potentially lead to an increase in reported suicide rates, as individuals who are terminally ill or suffering from unbearable pain may choose to end their lives with medical assistance. The passage of a PAS bill could influence societal attitudes toward suicide by framing certain types of suicide, particularly those involving terminally ill individuals seeking relief from suffering, as acceptable or even ethical. This could potentially lead to changes in how suicide is perceived and discussed in society, which may have broader implications for suicide prevention efforts and mental health stigma.

The Suicide Prevention Council is actively collaborating with community members and partners to update the state's suicide plan. This initiative involves setting new goals and action items aimed at further reducing suicide rates and providing support to vulnerable populations.

One potential avenue for bolstering New Hampshire's suicide prevention efforts is the integration of physician assistant (PA) professionals into mental health care. PAs, trained to provide a wide range of medical services, including mental health screenings, assessments, and interventions, could play a crucial role in expanding access to mental health care services, particularly in underserved areas.

By leveraging the skills and expertise of PAs, New Hampshire can enhance its capacity to identify and address mental health issues, ultimately contributing to the ongoing efforts to prevent suicide and promote overall well-being in the state.

While there is cause for hope in New Hampshire's progress in suicide prevention, there are challenges that lie ahead, especially in the wake of the pandemic. By continuing to work collaboratively and innovatively, the state can build on its achievements and strive towards a future where every individual has access to the support and resources they need to thrive mentally and emotionally.