By Michelle Costa, Local News 8 Reporter
POCATELLO - Every day in the US, 90 Americans take their own life and 2,300 more attempt to do so. It's a shocking statistic that some locals are hoping to lower.
In 2006, Idaho ranked 10th in the nation for suicides per capita.
"How are you feeling today?" It's a question Judy Deffinger has asked Portneuf Medical Center patients for the last six years.
She said the job isn't really about her, but those who are seeking help.
"I felt like this is where I needed to be. This was the place for me. To help them get through their really tragic times in their life and I really think this has been a calling for me," said Judy Deffinger, Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Each person may have their own reason for becoming a social worker, but everyone wants to help.
"My sister committed suicide so I know from a personal experience. It's very important for me to be involved in suicide prevention," said Sheila McHuge, Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Patients spend an average of 7 ½ days hospitalized so many of them need a diversion and they're playing games, like playing the Nintendo Wii and going bowling.
"Sometimes when you're depressed, it's like having a set of blinders on and you're able to see the resources available to you. But, family members can and they have the ability to step in and help the family member in crisis," said Corey Richardson, Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Shock therapy is a treatment for people who've suffered long term and with 500 patients, doctors are turning to this method along with prescription medication.
"We also experiencing suicides more than we wish and more than we need because suicide is preventable," said Dr. Predrag Gligorovic, Portneuf Behavioral Health Clinic.
For Deffinger, prevention means opening up.
On Saturday, PMC is hosting National Survivors of Suicide Day on their West Campus' Willow Creek Auditorium from 10:45 am until 12:30 pm.
Thousands of survivors of suicide will come together in an effort to comfort, support, heal and inform.
For more information about this, log onto www.afsp.org or contact Mary Maberry, Portneuf Medical Center at 239-8145.
Risk factors for suicide include suicidal thoughts, psychiatric disorders (such as depression, impulsive aggressive behavior, bipolar disorder and certain anxiety disorders), drug and/or alcohol abuse and previous suicide attempts, with the risk increased if there is situational stress and access to firearms.
