Suicide is a major, yet preventable mental health problem. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “In 2007, suicide was the thirst leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24. Suicide accounted for 4140 deaths (12%) of the total 34,598 suicide deaths in 2007. ”

• Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-old Americans. (CDC)
• There are four male suicides for every female suicide. (CDC, AAS)
• There are three female suicide attempts for each male attempt. (CDC, AAS)

Though these numbers seem daunting, they are not a complete reflection on the youth of today or the way they manage or respond to stress or difficulty. These numbers do, however, indicate a significant problem that we need to be aware of so that we can act accordingly to prevent it.

Suicidal behavior is never a normal response to stress.

Some of the risk factors for suicide include:

• Depression or other mental disorders
• Substance abuse (often in combination with mental illness)
• Family history of suicide
• Prior suicide attempt
• History of physical or sexual abuse within the family system
• Firearms in the home
• Incarceration
• Exposure to suicidal behavior of others

Other things to watch for in yourself or your loved ones include:

• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, depressed mood, excessive guilt, low self-esteem
• A loss of interest in family or social activities
• Changes in eating and sleeping patterns (too much or too little)
• Persistent anger, rage, need for revenge
• Trouble concentrating
• Problems at school: socially and academically
• Feeling listless or irritable
• Regular or frequent crying
• Not taking care of yourself (not bathing regularly, etc)
• Reckless and/or impulsive behaviors
• Frequent headaches, stomachaches

Warning signs that someone may be thinking of committing suicide:

• Always talking about or thinking about death
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Clinical depression — deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating — that seems to get worse
• Loss of interest in things you or your loved one once cared about
• Comments about being worthless, hopeless, helpless
• Putting affairs in order, like changing or creating a will all of a sudden, or seeming to “tie up lose ends”
• Comments like, “It would be better if I wasn’t here,” or “I want out.”
• A sudden, and unexpected shift from deep sadness to being calm and happy.
• Talking about suicide
• Saying their goodbyes

It’s not uncommon for someone who is suicidal to have attempted suicide before. Recognizing some of these warning signs is the first step to helping someone you love or helping yourself. Asking for help is a sign of great courage and strength. It shows deep character and a fierce sense of survival. It is in the act of reaching our hands out that we open ourselves up to attaining help.

Originally posted on June 26, 2014 @ 11:06 pm