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S uicide is not as rare as some think. Who is more at risk? In the U.S ., suicide rates are highest during the spring. S uicide 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 (S AVE).
Individuals at Risk S uicide 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. • Y oung adults and college students – Overwhelmed with independence and responsibility for the first time, pressured to succeed in college or on the j ob, 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 S tates 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 S uicide 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 j ob, loss of friendship, financial troubles, verbal/ physical abuse, discrimination, bullying… it can be overwhelming. People sometimes consider a fatal solution.
Common Misconceptions about S uicide People who talk about suicide won't really do it. False: Almost all who commit or attempt suicide has given some clue or warning. S ome of the following are j ust 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. S haring 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. S leeping 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 S uicide Individuals who commit suicide did not ask for help. FALSE: S tudies of suicide victims have shown that more than half had sought medical help in the six months prior to their deaths (S AVE).
Common Misconceptions about S uicide 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 S chizophrenia Borderline or antisocial personality disorder Conduct disorder Psychotic disorders or psychotic symptoms in the context of any disorder Anxiety disorders S ubstance abuse disorders S erious or chronic health condition and/ or pain
Risk Factors (Continued) Environmental Factors S tressful Life Events which may include a death, divorce, abuse or j ob loss Prolonged S tress 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 S uicide Attempts Family History of S uicide Attempts
Recognizing Warning S igns 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 S igns (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. S leeping too much or too little. Visiting or calling people to say goodbye. Giving away prized possessions.
Warning S igns (Continued) Mood People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods: Depression Loss of interest Rage Irritability Humiliation Anxiety
How to Help. • Give emotional support 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 S eek Help: Resources http:/ / www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org http:/ / www.my3app.org/ http:/ / www.proj ectsemicolon.org/
S haring 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)
200,000 S tories of S urvival; Insp;r;ng others to cont;inue.
Don’ t Worry; Be happy.
S ources American Foundat ion for S uicide Prevent ion ht t p:/ / afsp.org/ Help Guide.org ht t p:/ / www.helpguide.org/ art icles/ suicide-prevent ion/ suicide-prevent ion-helping-someone-who- is-suicidal.ht m#t ip2 S AVE: S uicide Awareness Voices of Educat ion ht t p:/ / www.save.org/ index.cfm? fuseact ion=home.viewPage&page_id=705F4071-99A7-F3F5- E2A64A5A8BEAADD8 Missouri Depart ment of Ment al Healt h, Division of Comprehensive Psychiat ric S ervices ht t p:/ / dmh.mo.gov/ ment alillness/ suicide/ prevent ion.ht ml Proj ect S emicolon ht t p:/ / www.proj ect semicolon.org/
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