MIDLAND, Texas — A study from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that suicide rates have been rising since 2023, which can also be seen right in the Permian Basin.
Midland County is seeing an increase in mental health cases as it pertains to suicide and self-harm. Although rates may be increasing, there are numerous resources in the community.
"I don't know that you could talk to anybody, if you had a really open and vulnerable conversation, and suicide has not affected them," President of Even One Less Non-profit Burl Stricker said. "It just is widespread and part of it is that we really didn't talk about it very much in the past."
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Even One Less' focus is to offer guidance to those struggling with stress, trauma and other mental health needs, including our war heroes.
"Some areas just like extreme cases like veterans," Stricker said. "Veterans' [suicide rates] continue to increase every single year and really that it across the nation. It's not just Midland County, but looking at Midland County, you know, you had like a 91 percent increase in veteran suicide in Midland County."
Factors like substance abuse and isolation can trigger suicidal thoughts, but other things like the COVID-19 pandemic and recent wars can take a toll as well.
Even though these pressures arise, Stricker said there are resources like churches and support groups that are there to assist.
"You don't know you need help until you know," Stricker said. "In other words, suicide or any other mental health issues may have never affected your family before, but then all of a sudden a friend or a sibling or a child starts struggling with that."
Stricker recommends five steps to strengthen your mental health: vulnerability, empowerment, resilience, community and faith.
However, the key is to seek help as quickly as possible and maintain that help for as long as needed.
If someone is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is 988. They are available 24/7. Text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.