Suicide
Over 30,000 people took their own lives in 1997, making suicide the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S. Suicide was responsible for more deaths than either homicide or HIV/AIDS. In that same year, suicide was the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds and the second leading cause of death for people 25 to 34 years of age. Certain segments of the population appear to be at greater risk for suicide. Males in general exhibit higher rates of suicide, particularly elderly Caucasian men. Suicide among African American youths has increased dramatically in recent years. In the period from 1979 to 1992, suicide rates for Native Americans were about 1.5 times the national average. Women attempt suicide more frequently than do men by a ratio of 2:1. However, more men complete suicide with a gender ratio of 4:1. For every suicide completed, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that there are 8 to 25 suicide attempts. Firearms constitute the most common means used by both men and women to take their lives, accounting for 58% of all suicides.
Low levels of serotonin are associated with the risk for suicide. Research has shown diminished serotonin levels in the brains of suicide victims. It is not surprising that depression is one of the strongest risk factors for suicide in the adult population, along with alcohol abuse, cocaine use, and divorce and separation. Additional risk factors for suicide in youth include aggressive or disruptive behaviors. The main risk factors for suicide in all populations include:
- aggression
- depression
- divorce or separation
- exposure to suicidal behavior of others (e.g., family members, peers, or via news or fictional stories)
- family history of mental or substance abuse disorder
- family history of suicide
- family violence (physical or sexual abuse)
- firearms in the home
- incarceration
- prior suicide attempt
- substance abuse
Suicidal individuals may exhibit a variety of behaviors (listed below). Verbal threats of suicide should always be taken seriously. It is a common misconception that individuals who talk about suicide do not try to take their own lives. The followings are warning signs of potential suicide:
- withdrawal -- overwhelming urge to be alone
- moodiness -- extreme high mood one day followed by extreme low mood or inexplicable calm the next day
- life crisis or trauma -- experience of a major life-changing event (e.g., death of a loved one or serious illness) may trigger suicidal thoughts
- personality change -- drastic change in personality, energy level, or appearance
- threat -- verbalized suicidal intentions always to be taken seriously
- gift giving -- cherished belongings given to loved ones
- depression -- feelings of sadness accompanied by decreased capacity to function at home, work, or socially
- risk taking -- unsafe sex practices or excessive speeding
What to do if someone you know is suicidal:
- Trust your instincts that the individual is in danger and may attempt suicide.
- Talk with that person and obtain appropriate mental health intervention for him or her.
- Ask the person about his or her plan. If the person is able to explain the suicide plan in great detail, he or she is at greater risk.
- Listen carefully.
- Get professional help even if the person does not express any desire for it.
- Never leave a suicidal person alone.
- Never swear that you will keep secret the person's plan for suicide.
- Do not judge the person.
- Do not attempt to counsel the person.
Use the following resources:
National Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE (I-800-784-2433)
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) http://www.save.org
Suicide Crisis Center (state-by-state listing of local suicide hotlines):
http://www.suicidehotlines.com
