Know the Signs to Prevent Suicide

Depression continues to have a stigma that often keeps those in need from realizing help is available or ashamed to seek assistance. Every 15 minutes, someone dies by suicide.

The most recent numbers show that in 2007, it was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States.

The week of Sept. 4-10 is Suicide Prevention Week. Parents from several schools may have received an email highlighting some of the risk factors and warning signs. 

Suicide takes the lives of teens and adults, men and women, of all races and cultures, with roughly 1 million people dying worldwide every year from suicide, according to the American Association of Suicidology. 

Suicide rates among youths, ages 15 through 24, have increased more than 200 percent in the last 50 years, according to the association.

Suicide is preventable and most suicidal people want to live, though they are unable to see the alternatives to their situations, according to the association. Most people who contemplate suicide provide warning signs that may go unrecognized.

Major depression is most commonly associated with suicide and about two-thirds of those who commit suicide are depressed at the time of their death, according to the association. Men are more likely to commit suicide, while women are more likely to attempt it.

Some of the warning signs are:

• Talking about suicide, death, and/or no reason to live.
• Being preoccupied with death and dying.
• Withdrawing from friends and/or social activities.
• Having a recent severe loss  (relationship) or threat of a significant loss.
• Experiencing drastic changes in behavior.
• Losing interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
• Preparing for death by making out a will (unexpectedly) and final arrangements.
• Giving away prized possessions.
• Having attempted suicide before.
• Taking unnecessary risks; being reckless, and/or impulsive.
• Losing interest in personal appearance.
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
• Expressing a sense of hopelessness.
• Being faced with a situation of humiliation or failure.
• Having a history of violence or hostility.
• Having been unwilling to “connect” with potential helpers

People who are depressed and exhibit the following symptoms are at particular risk for suicide:

• Extreme hopelessness.
• A lack of interest in activities that previously were pleasurable.
• Heightened anxiety and/or panic attacks.
• Insomnia.
• Talk about suicide or have a prior history of attempts.
• Irritability and agitation.

Source: American Association of Suicidology