Suicide Prevention
What to do if you or a friend has contemplated suicide
By: Julia Skeval, Anna Skandalis, Connor Flanagan
What is it?
Suicide is an irrational desire to die. We use the term "irrational" here because no matter how bad a person's life is, suicide is a permanent solution to what is nearly always a temporary problem.
U.S Suicide Statistics as of 2013
Suicide takes the lives of nearly 30,000 Americans every year.
Many who attempt suicide never seek professional care.
There are twice as many deaths due to suicide than HIV/AIDS.
Over half of all suicides occur in adult men, ages 25-65.
Suicide rates in the United States are highest in the spring.
Over half of all suicides are completed with a firearm.
For young people 15-24 years old, suicide is the third leading cause of death.
80% of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully.
15% of those who are clinically depressed die by suicide.
There are an estimated 8 to 25 attempted suicides to 1 completion.
1 in 65,000 children ages 10 to 14 commit suicide each year.
Many who attempt suicide never seek professional care.
There are twice as many deaths due to suicide than HIV/AIDS.
Over half of all suicides occur in adult men, ages 25-65.
Suicide rates in the United States are highest in the spring.
Over half of all suicides are completed with a firearm.
For young people 15-24 years old, suicide is the third leading cause of death.
80% of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully.
15% of those who are clinically depressed die by suicide.
There are an estimated 8 to 25 attempted suicides to 1 completion.
1 in 65,000 children ages 10 to 14 commit suicide each year.
Warning Signs of Suicide
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Withdrawn or feeling isolated.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
- Preoccupation with death.
- Suddenly happier, calmer.
- Loss of interest in things one cares about.
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.
- Making arrangements; setting one's affairs in order.
- Giving things away, such as prized possessions.
How To Help
1. Speak up if you're worried yourself or a friend
2. Respond quickly if you find yourself in a crisis situation
3. Offer help and support
4. Be proactive, and always provide continuos support
2. Respond quickly if you find yourself in a crisis situation
3. Offer help and support
4. Be proactive, and always provide continuos support
How to Be a Friend
1. Take signs seriously
2. Talk openly and don't be afraid to speak to someone who is suicidal
3. Ask questions like how can I better support you now?
4. Say things like you are not alone, I'm here for you
2. Talk openly and don't be afraid to speak to someone who is suicidal
3. Ask questions like how can I better support you now?
4. Say things like you are not alone, I'm here for you
How to Reach out for Yourself
1. Find people around you that you can trust and feel comfortable talking to
2. Find a trusted adult who you feel can help you in dealing with what you're going through
3. Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself or to get help
4. Counselors and teachers in the building are here for you, to listen whenever you need
2. Find a trusted adult who you feel can help you in dealing with what you're going through
3. Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself or to get help
4. Counselors and teachers in the building are here for you, to listen whenever you need
Where to go and what to do
In Your Community
1. See Mr. Hartley or Mr. Dowdell
2. Dr. William Wittlin - Adult, adolescent, and child phychaitrist (315-685-0280)
3. The Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) located at St. Joseph's Hospital
2. Dr. William Wittlin - Adult, adolescent, and child phychaitrist (315-685-0280)
3. The Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) located at St. Joseph's Hospital