Regional medical examiner alerts the public to increased suicide deaths Michigan
Dr. William Morrone, Medical Examiner for five area counties, (Arenac, Bay, Iosco, Midland, and Tuscola Counties), reports seven suicide deaths in the region within a relatively short period of time. According to Morrone, “this trend is very alarming, and I am alerting the region so people know how to recognize signs that may indicate suicide and take steps to get help for themselves, family members, or friends.”
“Suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the US in 2022/2023, and has increased since 2020. It is extremely important to remove access to firearms if someone is at risk of harming themselves or others,” says Dr. Catherine Bodnar, Medical Director for the Midland County Department of Public Health. Mental health disorders increase the risk for suicide. The most recent Midland County Health Survey of adults, with data collected in mid through late 2024, and compiled in January 2025, shows an increase in the already alarming rates in many mental health categories (depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and their impact on activities) from 2022 to 2025.
IMMEDIATE HELP:
If you need help now:
Call 911
Go to the nearest emergency room
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Or chat - Lifeline Chat : Lifeline (988lifeline.org)
Some signs someone may be thinking about suicide include:
Talking about:
Wanting to die
Great guilt or shame
Being a burden to others
Feeling:
Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
Unbearable emotional or physical pain
Changing behavior, such as:
Making a plan or researching ways to die
Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
Displaying extreme mood swings
Eating or sleeping more or less o Using alcohol or drugs more often
If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.
Circumstances that increase suicide risk:
Previous suicide attempt
History of depression or other mental illness
Serious illness such as chronic pain
Criminal/legal problems
Job/financial problems or loss
Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
Substance use
Sense of hopelessness
Violence victimization and/or perpetration
Current or prior history of adverse childhood experiences o Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
Physical or emotional neglect
Household experiences such as witnessing domestic violence
Having a parent with mental illness or substance abuse disorder
Incarceration of a parent or guardian
Relationship Risk Factors:
These harmful or hurtful experiences within relationships contribute to risk:
Bullying
Family/loved one's history of suicide
Loss of relationships
High conflict or violent relationships
Social isolation
Community Risk Factors:
Some challenging issues within a person's community may contribute to risk, such as a lack of access to healthcare, community violence, historical trauma and discrimination, or a suicide cluster in the community.
Mental Health Treatment Resources:
Red Flag Laws:
On February 13, 2024, Michigan enacted a “red flag law”, formally known as an Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law. ERPO laws authorize civil courts to temporarily prevent people at risk of harming themselves or others from possessing or purchasing firearms. Michigan ERPO (Extreme Risk Protection Order) Information
Resources:
CDC Suicide Prevention
The mission of the Midland County Department of Public Health is to promote and protect the public’s health through health promotion and disease prevention. Our vision is that Midland County will be a place where every person has a high-quality life and well-being.
You can contact the MCDPH by phone at 989-832-6380, or by e-mail at MCDPH@co.midland.mi.us. We invite community members to follow us on Facebook and visit our website for ongoing public health information.
This article was shared from Midland County Department of Public Health, written by Catherine M. Bodnar, MD, MPH.
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