Suicide Prevention 6/2010
Quick Facts about Suicide:
- Suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in the United States, claiming about 30,000 lives a year.
- In 2004, Suicide was the second leading cause of death of people in Idaho between the ages of 10 and 34.
- In Idaho, 14.5% of high school students have seriously considered suicide and actually made a plan about how they would commit suicide.
- Idaho men are 4 times as likely to commit suicide than Idaho women.
- The suicide rate in Idaho averages 51% higher than the national average.
- In the United States, 1 person every 17 minutes commits suicide.
- Suicide can be prevented.
Possible Suicide Warning Signs:
Nearly everyone, at some point their life, thinks about suicide. For some, those thoughts are over whelming. Recognizing the signs that someone may be contemplating suicide may save their life. There is no one sign that someone may be having thoughts of suicide. Below are some of the things you can watch for.
- Talk about suicide, death, and/or having no reason to live.
- Withdrawal from friends and/or social activities.
- Recent, severe loss (especially a relationship), or threat of a significant loss.
- Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
- Preparing for death by making out a will (unexpectedly) and final arrangements.
- Giving away prized possessions.
- Having attempted suicide before.
- Taking unnecessary risks; be reckless and/or impulsive.
- Loss of interest in their personal appearance.
- Increasing their use of alcohol or drugs.
- Expressing a sense of hopelessness.
- Faced with a situation of humiliation or failure.
What to do:
For someone in immediate danger, dial 911.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255 For telephone counseling - Anywhere, Any Time, Toll Free
Go online to: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
National Hopeline Network - 1-800-784-2433
TTY Suicide Helpline - 1-800-799-4889 For the deaf and hard of hearing