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Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among 15 - 24 year olds
Warning Signs:
*Feeling trapped, hopeless
or deeply depressed
*Feelings of worthlessness
*Change in mood (irritability, poor attention) lasting more than one
week
*Chronic anger, aggression, and hostility
*Extreme change in behavior (very withdrawn or becomes restless)
*Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
*Giving away favorite possession
*Drug and/or alcohol abuse
*Change in eating or sleeping habits
*Ending significant relationships
Risk Factors
MENTAL ILLNESS
Ninety percent of adolescent suicide victims have at least one
diagnosable, active psychiatric illness at the time of death (most often
depression, substance abuse, and conduct disorders). Only 15% of suicide
victims were in treatment at the time of death.
PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS
Between 26% and 33% of adolescent suicide victims have made a previous
suicide attempt.
STRESSORS
Suicide in youth often occurs after the victim has gotten into some sort
of trouble or has experienced a recent disappointment, rejection, or
academic pressure.
FIREARMS
Having a firearm in the home greatly increases the risk of youth
suicide. Sixty-four percent of suicide victims 10-24 years old use a
firearm to complete the act.
Things You Can Do:
*Take all threats seriously
*Listen and empathize
*Be non-judgmental
*Share feelings
*Evaluate- Don't be afraid to ask questions about the
seriousness of the suicidal feelings
*Get involved; be available and supportive
*Remove means as long as it poses no threat to you
*Offer to
bring the person to a support service.
On this campus the primary resource is The Counseling and Wellness
Center; 205 Marcus White, 832-1945.
*However, if the threat appears immediate, get help. The
easiest
method is to call 911 which will alert both campus and
New Britain police.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK
(1-888-628-9454 for Spanish-speaking callers) is the only federally
funded hotline for suicide prevention and intervention. People who are
in emotional distress or suicidal crisis can call the Lifeline at any
time, from anywhere in the Nation, to talk in English or Spanish with a
trained crisis worker who will listen to and assist callers in getting
the help they need.
For more
information, click on the following links:
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org (External Site)
The American
Association of Suicidology (External Site)
Families for
Depression Awareness (External Site)
American Foundation for
Suicide Prevention (External Site) |
