Don Young Demonstrates Fundamental Misunderstanding of Suicide

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Today Don Young demonstrated again that schools should think twice before exposing youth to Congressman Young. In a performance that would make any mental health professional cringe, Alaska Dispatch News writes that Don Young told an assembly full of grieving students at Wasilla High School, who recently lost a classmate to suicide, that suicide shows a lack of support from friends and family. This lack of an understanding of mental illness stunned students and faculty. Young went so far as to highlight his misunderstanding by saying, "Well, what, do you just go to the doctor and get diagnosed with suicide?"

Alaska has the highest rate of suicide in the country. According to an Alaska Department of Health and Social Security study, suicide rates are particularly high in rural communities, among youth, and in the Alaska Native community: "The rate of suicide in the United States was 11.5 suicides per 100,000 people in 2007. In 2007, Alaska's rate was 21.8 suicides per 100,000 people. The rate of suicide among Alaska Native peoples was 35.1 per 100,000 people in 2007."

"Like most kids who grew up in rural Alaska, I've had several friends who took their own lives. Suicide can strike any family, and it is truly a mental health issue. In this state, in particular, suicide is a crisis," stated Forrest Dunbar, Don Young's opponent for Alaska's Congressional seat. "What Don said was mistaken, and I think he regrets saying it. It shows ignorance about the issue, that's all. I hope he has the opportunity to learn more about suicide in Alaskan communities, though I sincerely hope he doesn't have to learn about it the way I did."

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