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Suicide Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death.
30,000 deaths each year are suicides.
One suicide is committed every 20 minutes.
About 15 percent of people with depression end their lives with suicide.
For each completed suicide, there are an estimated eight to 10 attempted suicides.
As overwhelming as these numbers are, the true tragedy of suicide is the devastatingly painful emotional state, often caused by depression, that leads a person to consider and then attempt the act. And suicide does not have just one victim. The pain and suffering of suicide resonates deeply in the family and friends of the deceased.
Suicide myths and facts
Myth: People commit suicide "out of the blue."
Fact: In most suicides, there are numerous signs and symptoms. Unfortunately, these symptoms often are overlooked or attributed to some other cause.
Myth: People who threaten suicide never actually do it.
Fact: Sixty percent of people who died by suicide did tell someone else of their intentions.
Myth: Talking with someone about suicide will encourage the behavior.
Fact: Research has shown that talking to someone about suicide does not encourage suicidal behavior. In fact, it may help identify issues that will increase the chance of the person being treated.
Suicide risk factors
Suicide is a complex behavior with no identifiable "single" cause. However, suicide rates are higher among people who have:
- a mental disorder such as depression
- a substance abuse problem
- a family history of suicide
- made past suicide attempts
- access to a firearm
- strong feelings of hopelessness and isolation
If you are thinking of suicide
Immediately seek professional help. Virtually all communities have crisis hotlines that are listed in the Yellow Pages under Crisis Intervention Services. You also can call emergency response hotlines such as "911" for assistance.
- Don’t use alcohol or drugs.
- Share your feelings with a significant other.
- Remove any means of suicide from your home. When a person is forced to take another step to complete the act (example: buying a gun, obtaining pills, etc.), this extra time may be enough to re-examine the decision to attempt suicide.
Warning signs of suicide
Most suicides are preventable. The main step in prevention is to recognize the many warning signs:
- withdrawal and isolation from family and peers
- use of alcohol and drugs
- decline in school performance
- increased irritability
- dramatic change in dress, activities or friends
- giving away possessions
- discussion of suicide
- changes in sleep or appetite
For older adults signs include:
- chronic medical illness
- loss of physical function
- depression
- hopelessness
- isolation
If you suspect that a loved one is thinking about suicide, mention that you have noticed a behavior change and that you are concerned. Direct him or her to professional help. You may offer the crisis number of a mental health provider and, in some cases, even dial the number.
By John McKinsey, MD
© 1999-2004 University of Florida McKnight Brain Institute
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