While suicide rates had been declining before the pandemic, they have increased during and after the COVID-19 crisis. As September is National Suicide Prevention Month, health officials, including those from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH), are intensifying their efforts in mental health education and suicide prevention, particularly in light of the rising number of Koreans who have taken their own lives since the pandemic began.
According to statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on August 10, a total of 49,449 individuals took their own lives in 2022, marking the highest number on record. The number of suicides last year increased by 2.6 percent compared to the previous year’s count of 48,183.
Out of every 100,000 people, 14.4 individuals (22.8 men and 5.7 women) died by suicide. Broken down by race, the suicide rate per 100,000 population was 28.1 for American Indian/Alaska Native, 17.4 for White, 12.6 for Pacific Islander, 8.7 for Black, and 6.8 for Asian populations.
Notably, the year 2022 saw 235 Korean American suicides, reflecting a 15.7% increase from the 203 cases recorded the year before. The number of suicides among Koreans (including Korean Americans) decreased to 232 in 2018, 205 in 2019, and 179 in 2020, only to rise again in 2021.
Based on data from the Federal Census Bureau, the estimated Korean population in America as of 2021 is 1,958,800 (including all Koreans). With this in mind, the suicide rate among Koreans stands at approximately 11.8 per 100,000 people, which is nearly twice as high as that of other Asian groups.
“During the pandemic, we observed a reduction in suicides due to the supportive and protective atmosphere that united us in facing the crisis,” remarked Jae Won Kim, Training Coordinator at the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. “As the pandemic subsides, individuals grappling with depression and anxiety face an increased risk of isolation. It is crucial to proactively equip ourselves with early response skills for mental health and suicide prevention.”
Psychiatrists emphasize that conditions such as “depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, excessive stress, and major trauma” can trigger suicidal thoughts. Therefore, giving as much attention to one’s mental health as physical health is of paramount importance.
Depression is medically defined as experiencing feelings of sadness and a desire to cry, diminished interest in once-enjoyable activities, fluctuations in weight and appetite, excessive sleep or insomnia, lethargy, low self-esteem, frequent guilt, difficulty concentrating, thoughts of death including suicide, and a loss of interest in life. Should five or more of these symptoms persist for over two weeks, seeking help and counseling is crucial.
A mental health counseling expert urges those struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts to openly communicate their inner turmoil. For family and friends, active listening and open conversations are pivotal. Sang-woong Moon, a psychological counselor at Kheir community clinic, advised, “If someone around you expresses thoughts of suicide, listen attentively. Empathize with their situation and help remove risk factors, such as prior suicide attempts.”
Especially when grappling with severe depression or suicidal thoughts, it is imperative to avoid using “drugs and alcohol” as coping mechanisms. Resorting to these substances can heighten impulsivity, consequently elevating the risk of suicide.
Dr. Jasung Kim, a psychiatrist, underscores the significance of discussing one’s challenging circumstances with a professional, emphasizing that “reaching out to someone else, particularly a professional, serves as the most significant ‘gateway’ and a turning point for improvement.” Kim adds that depression and tough situations should not be viewed as sources of shame or failure. By seeking professional assistance, individuals can gain the willpower and hope needed to better their circumstances.
Always remember to reach out to the appropriate helpline for assistance:
- The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health hotline (800-854-7771, press 6 for Korean)
- Korean American Family Services (213-389-6755)
- Kheir Clinic (213-235-1210)
- Koreatown Youth + Community Center (213-365-7400)
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988) offers mental health counseling.
To recognize Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 10-16), the L.A. County Department of Mental Health is hosting a mental health conference on September 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the California Endowment (1000 N. Alameda St.).
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
