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Suicide is not as rare as some think. Who is more at risk? In the U.S., suicide rates are highest during the spring. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-olds and 2nd for 24 to 35-year-olds. On average, 1 person commits suicide every 16.2 minutes. There is one death by suicide in the world every 40 seconds. About 2/3 of people who complete suicide are depressed at the time of their deaths. Depression that is untreated, undiagnosed, or ineffectively treated is the number 1 cause of suicide. Males make up 79% of all suicides, while women are more prone to having suicidal thoughts. Over 50% of all suicides are completed with a firearm (SAVE).
Individuals at Risk Suicide can impact anyone who experiences crisis. However some groups are more prone to attempt or commit suicide. The elderly Feelings of loneliness, loss of friends or spouse, loss of income and independence, and declining health often make older persons consider suicide as an alternative. Young adults and college students Overwhelmed with independence and responsibility for the first time, pressured to succeed in college or on the job, caught in abusive relationships and faced with a world they seemingly cannot change, many young adults are overwhelmed and see suicide as an escape. Business people and professionals The pressures to succeed and disappointment over unfulfilled dreams place business people and professionals at risk. Layoffs from employment can have a huge impact on an individual s mental health and can lead to suicidal thoughts. Native Americans Life on the reservation, with its high rates of unemployment and substance abuse, and an exclusion from society's mainstream have led to suicide rates on some reservations five times that of the general population. Minorities-Despair as a result of discrimination can result in suicidal thoughts. Low income- Hopelessness caused by poverty, unemployment, and a feeling of being trapped are causes of suicide. Children Depression brought on by child abuse, neglect, bullying and an inability to communicate feelings or ask for help has led children as young as five years of age to commit suicide.
Not everyone shares their pain. Many individuals who feel suicidal do not share their feelings or possible plans. Each year, approximately 40,000 people in the United States commit suicide, about twice as many deaths as caused by homicide. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 800,000 people die worldwide each year from suicide. Depression, mental illness, and deteriorating health can drive many to make the decision that they don t want to live anymore. A suicidal individual is in so much physical or emotional pain that he or she sees no other option.
Common Misconceptions about Suicide People who say they feel suicidal are seeking attention. False: Many individuals feel hurt or loss and they are trying to cope with the pain. It is difficult for individuals to see the positives in life when many negatives occur simultaneously (death of a loved one, loss of job, loss of friendship, financial troubles, verbal/physical abuse, discrimination, bullying it can be overwhelming. People sometimes consider a fatal solution.
Common Misconceptions about Suicide People who talk about suicide won't really do it. False: Almost all who commit or attempt suicide has given some clue or warning. Some of the following are just a few characteristics of potential self harm. Discussing feelings about wanting to die or to kill oneself. Exploring ways to kill oneself, such as searching online or purchasing a gun. Sharing feeling hopeless or stating that there is no reason for living. Reporting suffering from unbearable pain or feeling trapped in a horrible situation. Referring to oneself as a burden to others. Increase in risky behaviors/ Increase in use of alcohol or drugs. Sleeping very little or sleeping constantly. Feeling alone or isolated. Exhibiting extreme mood swings. Displaying anxious or agitated behavior.
Common Misconceptions about Suicide If a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is going to stop them. FALSE: Most severely depressed individuals feel abandoned by society. Many people who consider suicide waver between wanting to live or wanting to die. Those who consider suicide want to end their pain and on a impulse death seems like a quick fix.
Common Misconceptions about Suicide Individuals who commit suicide did not ask for help. FALSE: Studies of suicide victims have shown that more than half had sought medical help in the six months prior to their deaths (SAVE).
Common Misconceptions about Suicide Discussing suicide could give someone the idea. FALSE: Suicide is a difficult subject, but if you are worried about someone the best action you can take is to show you care. You may save someone s life by listening.
What elevates risk of suicide? Health Factors Mental health conditions Depression Bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder Schizophrenia Borderline or antisocial personality disorder Conduct disorder Psychotic disorders or psychotic symptoms in the context of any disorder Anxiety disorders Substance abuse disorders Serious or chronic health condition and/or pain
Risk Factors (Continued) Environmental Factors Stressful Life Events which may include a death, divorce, abuse or job loss Prolonged Stress Factors which may include harassment, bullying, relationship problems, and unemployment Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs Exposure to another person s suicide or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide
Risk Factors (Continued) Historical Factors Previous Suicide Attempts Family History of Suicide Attempts
Recognizing Warning Signs What are they saying? If a person talks about: Being a burden to others Feeling trapped Experiencing unbearable pain Having no reason to live Killing themselves What can you do to help? Take the individual seriously. Don t ignore the situation. If you can t help, assist in finding help.
Warning Signs (Continued) Behavior Specific things to look out for include: Taking unnecessary risks/acting recklessly. Using methods of self harm such as cutting, burning, and trichotillomania. Making suicidal threats or previous attempt of suicide Researching ways to kill themselves such as searching online. Increased use of substance abuse of alcohol or drugs. Withdrawing from activities. Isolating from family and friends. Sleeping too much or too little. Visiting or calling people to say goodbye. Giving away prized possessions.
Warning Signs (Continued) Mood People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods: Depression Loss of interest Rage Irritability Humiliation Anxiety
Give emotional support How to Help. Don t challenge the person, but take him or her seriously. Listen to what the person has to say. Offer positive affirmations. Stay with the person until help is available or until the crisis passes. Make suggestions to improve situation. Offer help to the individual (whether it is helping with housework, child care, tutoring, finding a support group, whatever the situation calls for). Encourage leisure activities. Exercise helps people to relieve stress and sleep better. Art or Music Therapy can provide a positive outlet for emotions and also great for dealing with anxiety. Journaling feelings and noting positive aspects of life that keep one motivated in life. Seek help This can be obtained from support groups, suicide prevention centers, physicians and mental health professionals, community mental health centers, school counselors, or online prevention communities (Project Semicolon, My3, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).
Where to Seek Help: Resources http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org http://www.my3app.org/ http://www.projectsemicolon.org/
Sharing your story can empower you and help others. Keep a Journal Share with a friend Find a support group Blog Submit your story to an anthology (Chicken Soup, Poets and Writers, Inked, and Project Semicolon)
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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention http://afsp.org/ Sources Help Guide.org SAVE: Suicide Awareness Voices of Education http://www.helpguide.org/articles/suicide-prevention/suicide-prevention-helping-someone-whois-suicidal.htm#tip2 http://www.save.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewpage&page_id=705f4071-99a7-f3f5- E2A64A5A8BEAADD8 Missouri Department of Mental Health, Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services http://dmh.mo.gov/mentalillness/suicide/prevention.html Project Semicolon http://www.projectsemicolon.org/