Spate of suicidal juveniles reported locally since October

by EMRY DINMAN
Staff Writer | December 6, 2019 9:30 AM

MOSES LAKE — In Moses Lake, a community on edge after a string of youth suicides in recent years, police have responded to at least four reported incidents of a suicidal juvenile since October, including at least one recent suicide attempt.

The recent spate of reportedly suicidal juveniles could be influenced by a number of factors, including the changing seasons, wrote Dell Anderson, Interim Executive Director for Grant Integrated Services.

“To say it is a seasonal event, is difficult to discern,” Anderson wrote. “It’s true that some experience Season Affective Disorder where their moods change along with specific seasons. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘Winter or Summer time Blues.’”

Before October, June was the last month in which police noted that a reportedly suicidal subject was a juvenile, according to police logs. Three Moses Lake juveniles aged 14 and younger have committed suicide during the summer in the last two years.

Whether a seasonal spike in suicidal behavior is present is unclear, but a number of biological, psychosocial, environmental, and situational factors can influence suicidal behaviors, Anderson wrote.

According to Anderson, warning signs may include:

· Threats of suicide

· Previous attempts

· Alcohol and drug abuse

· Sudden changes in behavior

· Prolonged depression

· Making final arrangements

· Giving away prized possessions

· Purchasing a gun or stockpiling pills

In Grant County there are several resources available to help:

· Grant Integrated Services Local Crisis Line: (509) 765-1717

· North Central Washington Crisis Line: (800) 852-2923

· Grant County Suicide Prevention TaskForce

· Community training available includes Mental Health First Aid and QPR – Question, Persuade, Refer.

· New Hope/Kids Hope (509) 764-8402

· Health Partnership for Youth 365 (Moses Lake)

· Royal R.E.A.C.H. (Suicide Prevention Coalition in Royal City)

· Wahluke Community Coalition

· Mattawa Suicide Prevention Coalition

· Quincy Partnership for Youth

· Family Youth Systems Partners

Emry Dinman can be reached via email at edinman@columbiabasinherald.com.