Suicide
A Permanent Solution to a Temporary Problem
Suicide Overview
Suicide is when someone kills themselves intentionally. Most people who commit suicide don't want to die; they see suicide as a way out of their problems and pain. People who seriously consider killing themselves feel helpless, hopeless, and worthless. A person who is looking into suicide may suffer from anxiety, depression, other medical problems, alcohol and/or drugs, or a family history of suicides or suicide attempts. Warning signs in children and teens may include preoccupation with death or a recent breakup. Warning signs in adults may include a recent job loss, substance abuse, or a divorce. Warning signs in older adults includes recent death of their partner or a life-limiting illness.
Facts and Statistics
- "Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US."
- "Approximately 105 Americans die everyday by suicide."
- "Although suicide among males is 4X higher than females; females are more likely to have suicidal thoughts."
- "There is one suicide every 40 seconds around the world. Depression is main cause for suicide"
Prevention and How We Can Help
Take all suicide threats or attempts seriously, no matter how minor. Take all conversations about self-harm seriously, even if the person meant it in a joking manner. Never be afraid to ask "What's wrong" or bring the topic of suicide.Always be willing to listen to the person's problems and help them make appointments with specialists if they feel that you cannot help them. Help the person find support in the people that care about them such as family or friends. Remove all guns, and prescribed or nonprescription drugs from the home as they are the most common method used. Lastly, find out how the person's treatment is going, at first they might be reluctant to keep going but your support may push them to get the help they need.