Understanding Suicide: Know the Warning Signs and Where to Get Help
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Did you know that in 2004, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death?
What's more, suicide is preventable, yet it accounted for 32,439 deaths that year in the US alone, with 10.9 deaths occurring for every 100,000 people, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Who's at Risk?
According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, males are four times more likely to die from suicide then females, with suicide rates highest among Caucasians and second highest among American Indians and Native Alaskan men.
However, women report attempting suicide during their lifetime three times as often as men. This helps explains why an estimated eight to 25 attempted suicides occur for every actual suicide death.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24, with suicide rates increasing with age and being very high among those 65 years and older.
Risk Factors
A risk factor for suicide is anything that increases the likelihood that persons will harm themselves, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. However, the Center cautions that risk factors are not necessarily causes and says that research has identified the following risk factors for suicide:
*Previous suicide attempt(s)
*History of mental disorders, particularly depression
*History of alcohol and substance abuse
*Family history of suicide
*Family history of child abuse
*Feelings of hopelessness
*Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
*Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
*Loss (relational, social, work, or financial)
*Physical illness
*Easy access to lethal methods
*Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders or suicidal thoughts
*Cultural and religious beliefs--for instance, the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
*Local epidemics of suicide
*Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other people
Warning Signs
If you, a loved one, or friend may be suicidal it is imperative to recognize the warning signs of early on and to act immediately.
While each person is different and will exhibit different signs of depression and suicidal thoughts, there are several warnings signs that you can watch for that may indicate they are in crisis. These include:
(Note: If you believe someone is contemplating suicide please get help immediately. There are a number of suicide prevention web sites and hotlines available to help those in need, which can be accessed at the bottom of this article.)
Suicidal Talk
Do not take conversations on suicide lightly. When someone talks about suicide or death, it may be an indication that, while not necessarily contemplating suicide, they may headed that way and reaching out for your help.
Saying good-bye, tying up loose ends, giving away possessions
If someone is looking for care for their children, or perhaps giving away their pets and/or their belongings, while talking of their final parting, or even trying to say good-bye to loved ones and friends, you should be concerned.
Isolating
When someone withdraws from family and friends and begins to spend more and more time alone, they may be depressed and, perhaps even considering suicide. While not all cases of withdrawal point to this, it should be seen as a warning sign and acted upon accordingly. Keep in mind that this person may become despondent or angry when you try to intervene.
Sudden changes in behavior
A sudden change in a person's behavior, such as overall attitude, appearance, etc., may be indicative of depression or suicidal thoughts. In some cases the changes may come on gradually.
No longer participating in regular hobbies, activities, etc.
Suddenly quitting or loosing interest in regular and extracurricular activities such as school, work, sports teams, clubs, church, volunteer duties, or hobbies may be a sign of depression.
Sudden change in sleeping patterns or eating habits
Sudden weight changes and changes in the amount of sleep someone gets (sleeping all day, or not sleeping at all at night) may be indicative of depression.
Erratic behavior
Engaging in behavior such as heavy alcohol and drug use, driving recklessly, starting fights or taking excessive risks.
If you or someone you know is thinking of committing suicide, please seek immediate professional help. There are many caring professionals and trained peers that are available to listen and talk about feelings of loneliness, depression or suicide.
Helping Someone Who is Suicidal
If you or someone you know is suicidal, it is important to get help fast.
You can immediately:
*Call a suicide hotline
*Go the closest emergency room
*Call 911
*Go to a suicide crisis center
*Contact a community mental health agency
*Talk to your physician, private therapist or counselor, or school counselor
Additionally, you can call these toll-free hotlines:
*National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-TALK (8255)
*Hotline for Spanish Speakers: (888) 628-9454
*TTY Hotline: (800) 799-4TTY (4889)
*National Hopeline Network: (800)-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Resources
If you or someone you know is at risk or is feeling suicidal, there is help that you can access online:
*National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org)
*National Institute of Mental Health - Suicide Prevention (www.nimh.nih.gov/suicideprevention/index.cfm)
*National Hopeline Network (www.hopeline.com)
*Suicide Prevention Resource Center (www.sprc.org)
*American Association of Suicidology (www.suicidology.org)
*American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org)
*Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (www.spanusa.org)
Related: Understanding Suicide: Know the Warning Signs and Where to Get Help
Additional information:
Predisposition to illness, diet, lifestyle, possible causes of ill health. so can help us to learn about our physical body and prevent.
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