Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Case Counts* in Kendall County
Total Cases in Residents: 7632
New Cases**: 70
Total Cases of Residents In-Recovery: 3594
Total Deaths: 64
*Case Counts are provisional as of 4:00 pm on 12.17.2020 and subject to change.
**New cases are included in total case number.
Suicide Awareness During the COVID and the Holidays
With some holidays approaching and some having passed, an important discussion is needed. Holidays, though can be wonderful for some, can be challenging and difficult for others. Sometimes it is a combination of both excitement and sadness. Within this write the following information will be provided: an explanation about suicide, National and State statistics, how COVID-19 can further impact the experience of the holidays, what we can do to feel better or get some relief, and supports that can be utilized.
General Information about Suicide and Warning Signs
Suicide is a term that is widely used, though can mean more than someone completing the ending of his or her own life. An individual may be experiencing repeating thoughts of not wanting to be alive. This desire to no longer be alive may be due to emotional or physical pain, helplessness, hopelessness, or thinking he or she is a burden to others.
There are warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. Here are some of the things you may notice: drinking more or using more drugs or alcohol; withdrawing from activities; isolating themselves from family, friends or loved ones (not just following recommendations about COVID); sleeping too much or too little; saying goodbye or giving away valued possessions. Someone who is suicidal may or may not reach out for help. If someone you care about is acting in a way that seems atypical to you, reach out to him or her.
National and State statistics
National suicide statistics from 2018: 10-14 year olds: 596; 15-24 year olds: 6,211; 25-34 year olds: 8,020; 35-44 year olds: 7,521; 45-54 year olds: 8,345; 55-64 year olds: 8,540. Totaling: 48,344
For more information: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide.shtml
Illinois suicide statistics from 2018: 1,488. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in Illinois.
For more information: https://aws-fetch.s3.amazonaws.com/state-fact-sheets/2020/2020-state-fact-sheets-illinois.pdf
COVID-19 and the Holidays
Many people identify as feeling or experiencing isolation more at this time due to recommended precautions for social distancing and COVID-19. This can be particularly challenging around the holidays as this may be the only time individuals get together with loved or cherished ones. Knowing that individuals with suicidal thoughts (or ideation) may have feelings of isolation, loneliness, or lack of connection to others – this time may be even more challenging.
Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Supports
When the pain or sadness is too much it can be hard to be fully present in life. One way to address this is using a grounding technique and reconnecting with the present moment. An example is 5-4-3-2-1: Name 5 things you see; 4 things you can touch (actually touch them); 3 things you hear; 2 things you smell; and 1 thing you can taste. Other things to do or consider: 1) getting somewhere you can be safe – this may mean calling 911 (which is ok and takes bravery), 2) tell a friend, 3) counseling can also be a great way to learn ways to address sadness, pain, and anxiety – its study hall for you, 4) attending online support groups can also be beneficial. Check out https://emotionsanonymous.org/ , for example, 5) call hotlines and text hotlines are available as well. The national suicide hotline is 800-273-8255. Or you can text Home to 741741 and get connected with a Crisis Counselor. To get connected to services or ask further questions, please call the Kendall County Health Department at 630.553.9100.
For more information on COIVD in Kendall County, please visit our website at www.kendallhealth.org
