Global Issues Committee: Suicide awareness facts

From SCASFAA's Global Issues Committee: 

Did you know that September was National Suicide Prevention Month? 

Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, more people kill themselves than are killed by others each year. It is a serious public health problem.

Most people who kill themselves are depressed, have a mental illness or have a problem with drugs or alcohol. Difficult life situations increase the chance of suicide, but almost always this is in combination with other factors, such as depression.

Warning Signs of Suicide
 
When someone says he or she feels like committing suicide, take the comment seriously. Listen carefully to what the person is saying, and get the person to a doctor or counselor for treatment. Other warning signs may be:

• A previous suicide attempt
• Threats such as "I'd be better off dead" or "You won't miss me"
• Talk about feeling hopeless
• Depression
• Changes in personality
• Dangerous or risky behavior
• Giving away things the person cares about
• A sense that there is no future
How you can help:
• Talk to the person calmly. Don't be judgmental, no matter what the person says.
• Listen. If there is a specific plan for suicide, it's a sign that he or she may be close to attempting it.
• Don't try to be a counselor. Just be a friend.
• Remove anything that might be used in a suicide, such as guns or drugs.
• Keep the person away from drugs and alcohol.

Don't try to handle this alone. You can be the most help by getting the person to a trained professional. Call a mental health clinic or a licensed mental health professional in your area. Tell them you need help for a person who is thinking about suicide. If you need help locating a professional, call 800-868-1032 for referrals to someone in your area.

Don't leave the person alone. In an emergency, call 911 or a 24-hour suicide crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). You can also get help at the nearest hospital emergency room (ER).

Many suicides are preventable. Knowing the signs and how to help could save the life of someone you know or love.