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Location: Home > KeySolutions EAP > E-Zine Archive > Suicide SuicideOn an average day in the United States, 84 people die from suicide. Another estimated 1,900 Americans attempt suicide. More than 32,000 people in the United States kill themselves every year. More people die from suicide than from homicide in the United States. Among college students, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death. 60% of all people who commit suicide kill themselves with firearms. Firearms are now used in more suicides than homicides. After reading these staggering statistics, think about this: could you recognize suicidal behavior in another person and would you know what to do about it? Although many of us may say yes, we can never have to much information about how to recognize the signs and symptoms of suicidal behavior, or how we may be able to intervene and prevent someone from committing suicide. Studies have found that more than 75% of all people who committed suicide did things in the few weeks or months prior to their deaths that indicate to others that they were in deep despair. Remember, suicidal behavior is a cry for help. People attempt suicide to block unbearable emotional pain, which is caused by a wide variety of problems. It is often a cry for help. A person attempting suicide is often so distressed that they are unable to see that they have other options: we can help prevent a tragedy by endeavoring to understand how they feel and helping them to look for better choices that they could make. Suicidal people often feel terribly isolated because of their distress, they may not think of anyone they can turn to, furthering this isolation. Typical warning signs which are often exhibited by people who are feeling suicidal include:
This list is not definitive: some people may show no signs yet still feel suicidal, others may show many signs yet be coping okay. The only way to know for sure is to ask. Take the initiative to ask what is the matter, and persist to overcome any reluctance to talk about it. Even if professional help is indicated, the person you care for is more apt to follow such a recommendation if you have listened to him or her. Don't attempt to argue anyone out of suicide. Rather, let the person know you care and understand, that he or she is not alone, that suicidal feelings are temporary, that depression can be treated, and that problems can be solved. Avoid the temptation to say, "You have so much to live for," or "Your suicide will hurt your family." Be actively involved in seeking professional help. Encourage the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately. Since suicidal people often don't believe they can be helped, you may have to do more. For example, a suicidal college student resisted seeing a psychiatrist until his roommate offered to accompany him on the visit. In an acute crisis, take the person to an emergency room or mental health unit at a hospital. Do not leave the person alone until help is available. Remove from the vicinity of the potentially suicidal person any firearms, drugs, razors or scissors that could be used as aids to suicide. If the aforementioned options are unavailable, call your local emergency number for assistance. Suicide prevention is not a last minute activity. Most people have suicidal thoughts or feelings at some point in their lives, yet less that 2% of all deaths are suicides. Nearly all suicidal people suffer from conditions that will pass with time or with the assistance of a recovery program. There are hundreds of modest steps we can take to improve our response to the suicidal and to make it easier for them to seek help. Taking these modest steps can save many lives and reduce a great deal of human suffering. |
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