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SUICIDE: WARNING SIGNS, PREVENTION, FACTS

Each year in the United States approximately 22,000 adults kill themselves and 220, 000 more attempt suicide; 5,000 adolescents commit suicide while one million attempt it. Statistics show that many people in deep pain are not helped soon enough. But suicide can be prevented if the problem is faced directly.

Warning signs

The causes of suicide are many and the patterns varied. We can begin to identify people at risk by looking at the stress and loss in their lives. Serious stressors include problems with family, work, or school; losses include the illness or death of family or friends.

To get a clue about a persons=s risk of suicide, pay close attention to how they deal with a crisis.

Here are some behavior signs to watch for:

• Moodiness, extreme sadness, or depression
• Sudden decline in personal habits
• Declining performance at work or school
• Abrupt changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities
• Loss of energy
• Deep sense of failure
• Talk about death or suicide
• Giving away prized possessions
• Substance Abuse
• Purchase of weapons
• Purchase of drugs that have an overdose potential

Adolescents have many of the same symptoms as adults, but many show their pain through contrary behaviors, especially if they are not normally rebellious.
Watch for persistent curfew violations, skipping school, fighting, drinking or using other drugs, running away from home, or other unusual behaviors.

From time to time, many people will have a few of these symptoms. But when a number of them show up together for an extended period of time, we should be concerned; such warning signs occur in severely depressed people and sever depression is a primary warning sign of potential suicide.

Facts about suicide

It is important to recognize that suicide exists in every part of our society. Getting the facts about the suicide straight, and acting appropriately, can save lives.

• More than 80 percent of people who kill themselves give a clue about their plan.
• Usually it's a long road that leads to the suicidal act. Of those who finally commit suicide, most have a history of threatening to kill themselves and making attempts to do so. Attempted suicides may be trial runs.
• Most suicidal people are undecided about living or dying, and they want someone to intervene. Asking potential victims about their suicidal feelings usually gives them some relief, because they know their pain has been recognized.
• Although some research indicates that depression may be hereditary, suicide is not. It is an individual behavior.
• Most suicidal people feel depressed, very unhappy, helpless, and hopeless. Typically, though, they are self-destructive for only a limited time. They don=t remain suicidal forever.
• Suicidal adolescents tend to be impulsive and overreact to a crisis. They attempt suicide without thinking about the consequences. They don=t really want to die.

You can help people who are suicidal by talking openly with them and by helping to identify their source of pain.

How to help yourself and the person at risk

• Take the threat of suicide seriously
• Show interest and support; encourage the depressed person to express his/ her feelings
• Listen carefully to the depressed person
• Encourage the person to get help from a mental health professional
• Be open, frank, and nonjudgmental
• At an appropriate time, ask directly about suicide plans
• Tell the person you want him/her to stay alive
• Be willing to take charge and provide protection.
• Share your own fears with significant others

Threatening suicide is a way that individuals sometimes let others know they have something to say. Being actively involved with the person at risk shows that you are willing to listen and that you care very much about his/her health and safety.

For additional information on suicide or to get help for the person at risk, contact an assistance program, local crisis line, mental health clinic, or community resource center.

Remember your Employee Assistance Program is:
• Confidential: All information is kept strictly between you and your counselor
• Informal: A simple phone call starts the process and there’s no red tape.

For assistance call Hidalgo Health Associates at:
800-448-4470