CONFIDENTIAL
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FACTS ABOUT SUICIDE
Talking about suicide will not make a person try it.
Most people who attempt suicide DO NOT want to die. They are trying to end the pain they feel.
People who threaten suicide mean what they say.
A non-lethal attempt is more than "looking for attention." It is a CRY FOR HELP!
Suicide is preventable at any age.
Most people considering suicide signal their distress and their intent.
Ignoring feelings will not make them go away.
Acknowledge that you have a problem and that the symptoms are serious.
Care enough about yourself to get help.
Talk about your concerns with another person. It could make all the difference.
DID YOU KNOW...
For every 2 victims of homicide in the U.S. there are 3 deaths from suicide?
Suicide claims the lives of almost 30,000 Americans every year?
More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from homicide, cancer, heart disease, AIDS, and other fatal diseases combined ?
Although older adults attempt suicide less often than other age groups, they are more likely to die from the attempt. The suicide rate is highest for adults 75 years of age and older.
60% of people who die from suicide use a gun.
The #1 cause of suicide is untreated depression.
Depression is treatable.
Suicide is preventable.
WARNING SIGNS
A suicidal person may:
WAYS TO HELP
Listen. Do not leave a person alone without human support.
Know the warning signs.
Ask the person if he or she is thinking about suicide.
Be nonjudgmental. Don't debate the issue of suicide.
Be accepting of the person's feelings.
Offer empathy, not sympathy.
Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support from others.
Don't offer empty words of reassurance.
Offer alternatives to suicide or hope that alternatives can be found.
Remove available methods when possible.
Take action. Know whom to call.
Get help from Trumbull 2-1-1.
YOUTH AND SUICIDE
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth (ages 15-24), after accidents and homicides.
Firearms are the predominant method of suicide completion among youth, regardless of age or gender, accounting for almost 3 of 5 suicide deaths.
The 2000 suicide rate among youth (ages 15-24) is 300% higher than that of the 1950 rate.
Approximately 12 young people between the ages of 15 and 24 die everyday by suicide
Nationwide, nearly 1 in 5 high school students have stated on surveys that they have seriously considered attempting suicide during the preceding 12 months.
Not all adolescents may admit their suicidal intent. Any deliberate self-harming behavior should be considered serious and in need of further evaluation.
The male to female ratio in 2000 of completed suicides was 3.7:1 among 10-14 year olds, 5:1 among 15-19 year olds, and 6.2:1 among 20-24 year olds.
ADULTS AND SUICIDE
Firearms are the most common method of suicide among all groups (male, female, youth, senior citizens) regardless of race.
About 7% of men and 1% of women who have been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime will go on to commit suicide.
Four times more men than women complete suicide, but three times more women than men attempt suicide.
Those with a parent, sibling, aunt, uncle, or grandparent who attempted or died from suicide are at increased risk for suicide and attempts.
A person dies by suicide about every 18 minutes in the U.S. An attempt is made approximately once a minute.
Every suicide leaves at least 6 people deeply affected by the death. Beyond bereavement, suicide survivors may themselves become severely depressed due to the stress of suicide.
SENIOR ADULTS AND SUICIDE
There is one senior adult suicide every 1 hour 39 minutes.
84% of senior adult suicides are men.
The suicide rate is highest for adults 75 years of age and older.
Only a fraction (2-4%) of suicide victims have been diagnosed with a terminal illness at the time of their death.
As many as 75% of depressed older Americans are not receiving proper mental health treatment, placing them at an increased rate of suicide.
DEPRESSION AND/OR ADDICTION
AND SUICIDE
Major depression is the psychiatric diagnosis commonly associated with suicide.
One out of every 16 people who are diagnosed with depression eventually go on to end their lives through suicide.
The risk of suicide in depressed individuals is about 20 times that of the general population.
Those who have had multiple episodes of depression are at greater risk for suicide than those who have experienced one episode.
Most depressed people are not suicidal; however, most suicidal people are depressed.
People with a dependence on alcohol or drugs, in addition to having depression, are at a much higher risk for suicide.
96% of alcoholics who die by suicide have continued their substance abuse up to the end of their lives.
2-1-1 , or the crisis center for your local area.
YOU CAN PREVENT SUICIDE!
Suicide prevention is everyone's business. You can begin right now by educating yourself about suicide and how to respond to those who are depressed and despairing. Call 2-1-1 to find out about Suicide Education Programs designed for:
People concerned about family & friends.
Counselors, teachers, ministers.
Students.
Parents.
Health, Human Services & Justice Professionals.
Mental Health Practitioners.
Substance Abuse Counselors.
Older Adults and Caregivers.
Everyone!
Participants learn to:
Reach out and offer support.
Recognize the warning signs.
Learn ways to help.
Connect people with community resources.
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