What is Suicide?
It's the deliberate ending of one's own life. The problem of suicide includes:

• Serious Suicidal Thoughts or threats.
• Attempts to commit suicide.
• In America Today:
  • About 55,000 deaths are attributed to suicide each year.
  • Suicides by young people (age 15-24) have increased in recent years.

• Most suicides and suicide attempts are reactions to intense feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, helplessness, depression, etc.
• People who threaten or attempt suicide are often trying to express these feelings -- and to ask for help.
• With the help available, many suicide attempts could be prevented.

• More women than men attempt suicide
• More men than women actually kill themselves
• Women often use poison to commit suicide
• Men are more likely to use a quick, violent means, such as a gun or hanging
• Suicide tends to be more common as people get older

• Young Adults / College Students. Many become angry or stop caring about a world they can't change. Some young people feel socially isolated, for example, due to rejection by their peers and others because of their sexual orientation.
• Elderly. Loneliness is an especially serious burden for the elderly. Illness and financial hardship often contribute to the problem.
• Professionals / Business People. Many outwardly successful people may in fact feel bitter or disappointed, cut of from their families, unbearably pressured.
• Native Americans. Poverty, disease and despair are problems for many Native Americans today.
• Children. Tragically, even young people age 5 to 14 are victims of suicide. They commonly have lost a loved one, and can't ask for or et adequate emotional support.
• Minorities. Cultural differences plus poor economic, social and family conditions often lead to severe problems.

• "Mentioning suicide may give a person the idea."
  • FACT: Suicidal people already have the idea. Don't be afraid to talk about suicide. Talking about it frankly can help prevent a person from acting on the idea.
• "All suicidal persons are mentally ill."
  • FACT: Although the suicidal person is extremely unhappy and upset, he or she is not necessarily mentally ill.
• "Once people are suicidal they're beyond help."
  • FACT: The crisis period may only last for a limited time. The person can get help and improve (but suicidal crises can reoccur).
• "It's not a suicide if there's no suicide note."
  • FACT: Many people who actually commit suicide don't leave notes.

• Guilt. and shame because they think they haven't given the person enough support and love.
• Social Scorn. caused by the religious and cultural taboo against suicide. The family may pretend death was accidental to hide the truth.
• Financial Worries. due to the loss of a breadwinner, difficulties collecting insurance.
• Apprehension. due to fears that suicide runs in the family. Other family members, especially young people, may fear they'll become suicide victims, too.
• Emotions. ranging from anger to depression are also common.

• Previous Attempts may mean that the person is a high risk to try again.
• Treats are often followed by suicide attempts. Take threats seriously. They may include mentioning mysterious 'long trips' or making open threats.
• Extreme Depression sadness, anxiety, decline in interest in work and people once enjoyed.
• Changes in Personality or Behavior such as sleeplessness; lost weight, appetite or sexual drive; tendency to withdraw.
• Preparations for Death such as making a will, giving away personal possessions, or acquiring means to commit suicide (gun, rope, etc.)
• A Sudden Lift in Spirits can mean the person is relieved because problems will 'soon be ended.'

• SHOW that you take the person's feelings seriously and wish to help
• LISTEN to him or her -- ask concerned questions
• EXPLAIN that with help and support, he or she can recover
• STAY CLOSE until professional help is available

• Don't try to shock or challenge. "Go ahead and do it."
• Don't analyze the person's motives. "You just feel bad because..."
• Don't argue or try to reason. "You can't kill yourself because..."

• Improve the Home Environment. If home life is a problem, suggest a strategy for improving it -- for example, couples or family therapy.
• Keep Busy, Active. Depressed people often become apathetic, inactive, and as a result grow more depressed and withdrawn. A balanced schedule of work and recreation can help.
• Get Away for a While. Even a temporary change of scene can make a big difference. It's a chance to gain a new perspective on the situation.
• Get Some Exercise. Vigorous physical exercise helps a person relax, sleep better, look better and have a more positive outlook on life (See a health-care provider before starting an exercise program).

• Talk Things Over. Discuss the problem with those involved instead of holding feelings back.
• Try to Change the Situation. Choose the course of action that seems most likely to resolve the stressful situation.
• Learn to Relax. Hobbies, sports, and relaxation techniques (such as deep breathing), can help the suicidal person learn to live with normal stresses.