Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Suicide Prevention Project

Suicide is an urgent issue in our community locally, and for American Indians across the state.

American Indians have the highest rate of suicide in Minnesota.
Aitkin County is ranked 1st in Minnesota for the highest suicide rate of any county in the state.
The leading means/method of suicide amongst American Indians in Minnesota is suffocation (68%).

Suicide and substance use are connected issues. From 2016-2020, thirty-three Native people died by overdose in connection with Aitkin, Mille Lacs, and Pine County, with increases in 2019 and 2020. Statewide, overdose deaths increased in 2019 and 2020. Substance use isn’t criminal- these are our relatives struggling with mental health. Students who think adults in their community’s care about them are less likely to report past month alcohol use, marijuana use, and prescription drug misuse.

Prevention efforts must focus on youth.

Youth ages 15-34 make up 55% of people who die by suicide among American Indians in Minnesota.
Native youth are struggling with depression (58% of Native youth in Mille Lacs, 67% in Pine) and anxiety.
Youth are struggling with suicide ideation (35% of Native youth in Mille Lacs, 55% in Pine) and suicide attempts.
However, Native youth more frequently reported participation in an out of school time activities and programs – that’s a strong foundation we can build off of.

Suicide Prevention: Know the signs

The Native youth suicide rate is 2.5 times higher than the overall national average, making these rates the highest across all ethnic and racial groups. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention notes that there is no single cause for suicide, there are risk factors and warning signs which may increase likelihood of an attempt. Learning them can save lives.

Risk Factors

Health

Mental Health Conditions
Serious physical health conditions including pain
Traumatic brain injury

Environmental

Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs
Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment
Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss
Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide

Historical

Previous suicide attempts
Family history of suicide
Child abuse, neglect, or trauma

Protective Factors

Access to mental health care, and being proactive about mental health
Feeling connected to family and community support
Problem-solving and coping skills
Limited access to lethal means
Cultural and religious beliefs that encourage connecting and help-seeking, discourage suicidal behavior, or create a strong sense of purpose or self-esteem

Warning Signs

Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs either through what they say or what they do.

Talk

About killing themselves
Feeling hopeless
Having no reason to live
Being a burden to others
Feeling trapped
Unbearable pain

Behaviors

Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
Withdrawing from activities
Isolating from family and friends
Sleeping too much or too little
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
Giving away prized possessions
Aggression Fatigue

Mood

Depression
Anxiety
Loss of Interest
Irritability
Humiliation/Shame
Agitation/Anger
Relief/Sudden Improvement

Learn More: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org/risk-factors-protective-factors-and-warning-signs

Suicide prevention resources are provided for informational purposes only. Providers and individuals should seek local qualified assistance in crisis situations or to address concerns related to the mental health and/or wellbeing of individual community members.

Suicide Prevention Contacts

It is recommended that you program at least one of these into your phone, so that you have it in the event of a crisis.

Emergency Medical Services: Dial 911

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe HHS: Need Help? Call 320-674-4385 to talk to a therapist. We are here for you 24/7.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (TALK)

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Are you in a crisis? Call 800-273-8255 or text TALK, NATIVE, or TEEN to 741741.

Zero Suicide: zerosuicide.edc.org

WeRNative, My Mind, Ask Auntie and Uncle Text: CARING to 65664

Teens Helping Teens: Call 1-800-852-8336 or text TEEN to 839 863

Now Matters Now: nowmattersnow.org

Lifeline Crisis Chat: IM – 800-273-TALK

Online PEER Support Chat: LGBTQ, IM – 888-843-4564

RAINN Online Hotline: sexual assault, global access – www.rainn.org/800-656-4673

Veteran’s Live Chat: global access for American vets – www.veteranscrisisline.net also text 838255

Teen Line Online: teenlineonline.org

Trevor: LGBTQ youth www.thetrevorproject.org/866-488-7386

National Crisis Text Line for the Deaf: text HAND to 839863

Reach Out: www.Reachout.com

Boys Town Suicide and Crisis Line: 1-800-448-3000 or 1-800-4481833 (TDD)

Honoring Native Life: https://www.facebook.com/HonoringNativeLife/

Coming Soon!

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

This dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.

The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.