Suicide

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. but it is also preventable. Most suicidal people desperately want to live; they are just unable to see alternatives to their problems.

Most suicidal people give definite warning signs of their suicidal intentions, but others are often unaware of the significance of these warnings or unsure about what to do with them.

Nearly everyone thinks about suicide at some point in his or her lifetime. Most everyone decides to live because they come to realize that the crisis is temporary, but death is not. On the other hand, people in the midst of a crisis often perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control. Frequently, they feel like they cannot:

Stop the pain or sadness and do not see any other way out
Think clearly or make decisions
Sleep, eat or work well
Get out of the depression or gain control
See the possibility of change
Value themselves as worthwhile or worth someone’s attention

Warning signs:

Talks about suicide, death and/or having no reason to live; expresses a sense of hopelessness
Seeks firearms, pills or other means to commit suicide
Has had a recent severe loss or the threat of a loss
Withdraws from friends and social activities
Loses interest in hobbies, school, etc.
Prepares for death by making out a will or giving away prized personal possessions
Increased substance use
Dramatic mood changes
Takes unnecessary risks; reckless and/or impulsive
Has a history of suicide attempts
Has been unwilling to connect with potential helper

For immediate help:

If someone has, or is in imminent danger of attempting suicide:

Do not leave the person alone
Call 911 or your local emergency number

If someone behaves in a way that makes you believe he or she might attempt suicide:

Get help from a trained professional as soon as possible
Get the person to call a suicide hotline number. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 800-273-8255.

For more information visit the National Suicide Prevention and Mayo Clinic websites

Credit: Frontier Behavioral Health. Used with permission.