Wyoming has the second-highest rate of suicides and gun suicides in the nation, according to results of a Violence Policy Center study released last week. Montana has the highest rates and Alaska ranks third.

Guns were involved in 68% of suicides in Montana, 63% of suicides in Wyoming and 60% of suicides in Alaska.

The analysis, which was released about halfway through Suicide Prevention Month, used the most recent available data from 2017 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

The study focused on suicides where firearms are involved and included the overall suicide rate per 100,000 people, gun suicide rate, overall number of suicides, percentage of suicides involving guns and household gun ownership in each state, according to a Wyoming News Exchange article in today's Jackson Hole Daily.

Suicide is always a difficult topic to discuss, but numbers have been on the rise nationally and globally. Talking about it and sharing information can help to remove the stigma, said Deidre Ashley, executive director of the Jackson Hole Community Counseling Center.

Suicides, usually fueled by underlying mental illness, are especially worrisome for groups that are seeing the largest increases: adolescents and college students, veterans and older adults, Ashley wrote in her Sound Mind column in the Sept. 18 edition of the News&Guide, excerpted here:

What can you do?

There are several options for free training that can help members of the community recognize and respond to someone who is struggling. The Jackson Hole Community Counseling Centers Mental Health First Aid program, an eight-hour course, is one. Another is Safe Talk, a three-hour program focused on suicide prevention. Those programs give community members the skills to recognize the signs of suicide, ask questions and provide resources for intervention.

Rural areas present more difficulties in talking about suicide. Small towns mean that most people are connected and know someone affected by the issue. Many of us may be reluctant to say anything for fear of making matters worse or making someone uncomfortable. So how can we go about discussing the issue respectfully and responsibly?

Media coverage and social media, if not used responsibly, can cause harm. But they can also be effective tools to correct myths or misperceptions and encourage people at risk to seek help as well as communicate facts and resources. Speaking out is critical to prevention but should always be done carefully and in a way that is respectful to people who have experienced a loss to suicide.

Education is one of the most important resources for communities in preventing suicide and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. Articles about suicide can educate readers about risk factors, warning signs and local resources for intervention. In addition, there is much more to understand about why people choose suicide as an option.

Many families and friends who have lost a loved one to suicide may blame themselves or feel judged by others. Education can provide interventions and understanding while minimizing risk, but also be respectful to the people who are affected by suicide. Those talking about suicide should be sensitive to tone, content and language. Responsible discussion should avoid judgment intentional or implied when reporting the full story and should always include education about suicide prevention.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a few recommendations for sharing a personal story in public or in the media. The guide encourages including referral numbers and information about warning signs. Providing information on local prevention efforts and activities can have positive effects.

Without a doubt, discussions about suicide should be happening throughout our community. At the same time there should be a focused approach to overall community-based mental health care to address the underlying mental illness issues.

Several organizations and individuals are working as part of the Community Prevention Coalition of Teton County on initiatives to provide information, support, counseling, training and suicide prevention programs.

Contact the Jackson Hole Community Counseling Center at 733-2046 or the Community Prevention Coalition of Teton Countyat 732-8495 for details or to get involved.

Allayana Darrow of The Sheridan Press contributed to this report.

Deidre Ashley is executive director of the Jackson Hole Community Counseling Center. She is a licensed clinical social worker and has a masters degree in social work. Contact her via columnists@jhnewsandguide.com.

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Wyoming has 2nd highest rate of suicide in U.S. Local expert offers ways to help - Jackson Hole News&Guide