Its World Suicide Prevention Week-Some Facts about Suicide

                                   

Did you know that, in the United States, more people die by suicide (50% more!) each year than by homicide? Males complete suicide at a rate 3.85 x that of females. However, females attempt suicide 3x more often than males.

Risk factors:

• Mental illness 
• substance abuse
• previous suicide attempts
• hopelessness 
• access to lethal means
• recent loss of loved ones
• unemployment 
• vulnerability to self-harm 

Protective factors 

• High self-esteem, 
• social connectedness
• problem-solving skills 
• supportive family and friends

Warning Signs:

• Suicide Ideation - Expressed or communicated thoughts of suicide (talking or writing about death, dying or suicide)
• Threatening to hurt or kill him/herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself; and/or Looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
• Substance Abuse 
• Purposelessness ( No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life)
• Anxiety- agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
• Feeling trapped (like there’s no way out)
• Hopelessness 
• Withdrawal - from friends, family and society
• Anger- Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
• Recklessness -Acting reckless or engaging in risk activities, seemingly without thinking
• Mood Change -Dramatic mood changes

How to talk to someone feeling suicidal:

• Do not be afraid to ask if he/she has thoughts about suicide. You will not be giving them new ideas.
• Do not act surprised or shocked. This will make them withdraw from you.
• Continue talking and ask how you can help.
• Offer hope that alternatives are available. Do not offer glib reassurance. It may make the person believe that you do not understand.
•  Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support. If you cannot do this, find someone who can, such as a neighbor or a minister, priest, or rabbi.
• Ask whether there are guns in the house. Have they thought of ways to die-do they have a  plan? (The more detailed the plan, the higher the risk.)
• Remove guns and other methods of death.
• Do not be sworn to secrecy. Get help from persons or agencies that specialize in crisis intervention.
• Call a crisis hotline in your area or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Experts believe that most suicidal individuals do not want to die. They just want to end the pain they are experiencing. When suicidal intent or risk is detected early, lives can be saved.

Sources: American Association of Sociology:
http://www.suicidology.org/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=273&name=DLFE-836.pdf