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 3^rd 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