Suicide
If you are in crisis, call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential.
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Self Injury:
Non-suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI):
Intentional self-inflicted damage to surface of the body (e.g. cutting, burning, hitting) – with the expectation that the injury will lead to only minor or moderate physical harm – i.e. no suicidal intent
NSSI helps to decrease high levels of distress and to elicit help from others
Approximately 15 -20% of adolescents & young adults report engaging in NSSI at least once
Suicidal Self-Injury:
Death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior
Individual Risk Factors:
Psychopathology
Previous suicide attempt
Family history of suicide
Personality disorders (e.g. BPD)
Major physical illness, especially with chronic pain (MS, ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
Impulsive/aggressive tendencies
Legal difficulties/has spent time in jail
Situational Risk Factors:
Loss of a relationship (rejection or separation)
Death of a loved one
Diagnosis of a terminal illness
Loss of financial security
Loss of employment or a new job
Abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual)
Social/Environmental Risk Factors:
Lack of social support and increasing isolation
Easy access to and familiarity with lethal means
Local clusters of suicide that have a contagious influence
Barriers to accessing health care, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
Warning Signs and Behavioral Indicators of Suicide:
Acquiring a weapon
Hoarding medication
Putting one’s affairs in order
Making or changing a will
Giving away personal belongings
Mending grievances
Checking on insurance policies
Withdrawing/isolating from people
Depression
Academic/work problems
Feelings of hopelessness
Disregard for personal appearance
Increased substance use
Increased risk-taking
Sudden improvement of mood
Perception of oneself as a burden to others
Anniversary of a sad event
Anger toward self
Protective Factors:
Sense of responsibility to family
Life satisfaction
Social support; belongingness
Coping skills
Problem-solving skills
Strong therapeutic relationship
Reality testing ability
Religious faith
Crisis Intervention:
Suicide Prevention:
Listen and take suicidal statements seriously.
Show personal concern.
Foster healthy behaviors.
Keep lethal means away.
Facilitate professional help.
Pay attention to hopelessness/loss of hope.
Statistics:
Suicide is a Leading Cause of Death in the United States.
National Institute of Mental Health — Learn More
Among males, the most common method of suicide is firearm.
Among females, the most common methods of suicide is poisoning (pill overdose) and firearm.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 15-24 (the leading cause is car accidents).
American Indian and Alaska Natives have the highest rates of suicide.
By race: Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asian/Pacific Islander.
Useful Read:
Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide
by Kay Redfield JamisonAn internationally acknowledged authority on depressive illnesses, Dr. Jamison has also known suicide firsthand: after years of struggling with manic-depression, she tried at age twenty-eight to kill herself. This is a book that helps us to understand the suicidal mind, to recognize and come to the aid of those at risk, and to comprehend the profound effects on those left behind. It is critical reading for parents, educators, and anyone wanting to understand this tragic epidemic.
Resources
DC Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Self Injury Foundation’s 24-Hour National Crisis Line
Hotline for People Contemplating Suicide
Washington DC and National Suicide and Crisis hotlines
National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
Relation to College Students:
College can be an incredible experience but it can also be a very demanding time for some students as well. For various reasons, a student may not be able to see an end to their challenges and feel as though taking their own life would be preferable to living it. This could be exacerbated if a student is isolated, has few or no friends, has no support system, etc. The more isolated a student with depressive or suicidal thoughts becomes, the more they will withdraw and isolate themselves. Students with suicidal thoughts or actions may believe that no one cares about them and that they will be doing everyone a favor by removing themselves from the world. This is not true. There is always someone who will be affected by someone’s decision to take their own life. Knowing that there are people who care about them may make a tremendous impact on a student with suicidal thoughts or actions. A simple phone call checking in on a friend could mean life or death. If you have a friend who you suspect may have suicidal thoughts or behaviors, do not hesitate to take immediate action before it’s too late. Reach out to them and let them know they are not alone and that you care. Then, you can help them get the help they need. You can save their life.