PREVENTING SUICIDE
Suicide CAN be prevented and help IS available. Suicide affects both the person thinking about suicide and his or her friends and family. By recognizing the risk factors, warning signs for suicide, and knowing what to do if you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, the devastating effects of suicide can be reduced. The most important thing to remember is to GET HELP!
Facts about suicide
- Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds
- 1 in 25 suicide attempts succeed
- Girls think about and attempt suicide about twice as often as boys, but boys are more likely than girls to die from suicide
A person is more at risk for committing suicide if he/she has these risk factors:
- Mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder
- Alcohol and drug use
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Inclination to act on impulse
- Having tried to commit suicide before
- A family history of suicide
- Having lost a loved one
What is depression?
Depression is a psychological condition that affects your feelings, behaviors, and thoughts. Although most of us feel sad one time or another, a clinically diagnosed depression is a mood disorder marked by persistent sadness, discouragement, and loss of interest in usual activities.
Who is likely to develop depression?
Depression affects men and women of all ages, and ethnic and racial backgrounds. Although the most common time of onset is between the ages of 30 and 40, teenagers can also experience depression.
What are the symptoms of depression?
- Persistent sadness
- Irritable mood
- Feeling of worthlessness
- Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- Changes in appetite: increase or decrease
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
What are the causes of depression?
- Social environment: Conflicts with peer groups, breakup of a relationship
- Family environmen