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Health & Fitness

Suicide: Prevention by Raising Awareness

There is one suicide every 15 minutes in the United States. Silver Hill discusses warning signs, risk factors and suggestions for how survivors can get help. Resources and websites also provided.

When we think of suicide, we think of the act itself: a one-time, isolated—and tragic—event. But suicide rarely occurs without warning. It is the final sad step in a life unnecessarily taken over by illness and despair. In fact, 90 percent of people who kill themselves have a diagnosable and treatable mental illness. In other words, suicide is very often preventable.

We speak of suicide in hidden, hushed tones, as if it hardly ever happens. But statistics prove otherwise:

  • In 2007, there were 34,598 suicides in the U.S. That’s 94.8 suicides per day—or one suicide every 15.2 minutes.
  • It is the seventh leading cause of death for males and the fifteenth leading cause for females.
  • It is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24.
  • One in 11 high school students makes a suicide attempt in a given 12 month period.
  • There are no official national statistics, but it is estimated there are 25 non-fatal attempts for each death by suicide.

Furthermore, according to the American Association of Suicidology, each suicide leaves in its wake at least six survivors. Based on this estimate, at least five million Americans became survivors of suicide in the last 25 years.

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Suicide survivors often feel guilty for not doing more to prevent the suicide or believe they themselves may commit suicide. The truth is, survivors are no more likely to attempt suicide than the rest of us, but they may need help with their grief and guilt. Proper counseling can help them recover—and go on to lead normal, healthy lives.

Risk Factors

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As with most mental illnesses, suicide is complex. Clearly, the individual is under stress. But we are all under stress each day, and not all of us attempt suicide. Stress does not cause suicide. Research is trying to determine what causes one individual to have an extreme reaction when another does not.

People struggling with a bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or an addiction are more prone to attempt suicide. The risk of suicide in alcoholics is 50 to 70 percent higher than the general population. Research suggests that 60 percent of persons who commit suicides are depressed.

A job loss, divorce, loss of a loved one or being socially isolated can trigger suicidal behavior. Suicides have traditionally decreased in times of war and increased in times of economic crisis. Males complete suicide 3.6 times more than females, but females attempt suicide three times more than males. Completed suicide rates are highest among those over 80 years old.

Prevention can make a difference

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has designated September as Suicide Prevention Month. As the national clearinghouse, this particular website is very informative. 

We recommend other two websites as well:

  • The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has advice on what to do if you fear someone may take their life, and how to cope with a suicide loss. You will also find resources for groups, including standardized presentations on suicide prevention as well as tools for the classroom.

In fact, AFSP is sponsoring a 5k “Out of the Darkness” community walk October 22 to show support suicide survivors. is a corporate sponsor of the Connecticut walk at . Nationally, 250 walks are planned. The AFSP website has more information if you would like to sign-up or sponsor this event.

If you know someone who is considering suicide, take it seriously. Stay with them, but do not try to help them yourself. Reach out to a counselor or physician. Remember, if the disorder can be identified, the risk for a suicide attempt should be lowered. If the situation is critical, call 911 for immediate help.

           – Sig

 

Silver Hill Hospital’s blog is intended only to provide information; it is not intended to provide diagnosis or treatment. If this is an emergency, please call 911.

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