SUICIDE

Suicide is a major preventable public health problem. In 2007 it was the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It was responsible for 34,598 deaths.

Suicide QUESTIONS How often does it happen? Who commits suicide? How can I tell if they are serious? What do I do if someone tells me they’re going to kill themselves? What do I say to the family/friends of someone who as attempted or committed suicide?

SUICIDE MYTHS Nothing can be done if a person is intent on killing themselves. Someone who talks about suicide is trying to gain attention and won’t attempt it. He/She is not the type. Talking about suicide will give someone suicidal ideas.

Suicide Myths Young people who attempt suicide once won’t ever do it again. People who talk about suicide, do not kill themselves.

Suicide FACTS 4 out of 5 young people who attempt suicide have made a previous attempt. They are likely to try again, and use a more lethal method if they have not received help. 8 out of 10 who commit suicide tell someone they are thinking about it.

Suicide In 2013, 12.8% of students reported that they made a suicide plan. In 2013, 128 people in ND died as a result of suicide. 7.8% of students reported that they had attempted suicide one or more times in a 12 month period. In young adults ages years old there are approximately attempts for every suicide.

SUICIDE RISK FACTORS ●depression, mental disorder, substance abuse, or any combination of these - 90% of suicides have these risk factors ●prior attempt ●family history of substance abuse or mental disorder ●family history of suicide

SUICIDE RISK FACTORS ●Family violence including physical abuse or sexual abuse ●Having firearms in the home (used in <½ of suicides) ●incarceration ●exposure to suicidal behavior of others (family, peers, media figures)

Suicide RISK FACTORS White, male, widowed, divorced, single – increases with age Lack of social support, unemployed Hopelessness – low self-esteem

SUICIDE OTHER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS ●aggressive, hostile behavior ●withdrawal ●change in eating/sleeping patterns/personality ●decline in grades ●hopelessness ●obsession with death ●giving away personal possessions

SUICIDE However suicide and suicidal behavior are not normal responses to stress; many people have these risk factors but are not suicidal. Research also shows that the risk of suicide is associated with changes in brain chemicals - neurotransmitters - including serotonin. Lowered serotonin levels have been found in people with depression, impulsive disorders and in the brain of suicide attempters and suicides.

SUICIDE SUICIDE BY GENDER 7th leading cause of death in males 15th leading cause of death in females 4 times as many men die as women #1 - firearms #2 - suffocation #3 - poison

SUICIDE SUICIDE IN CHILDREN Children ages /100, /100, /100,000 5 times as many males age died by suicide 6 times as many males age died by suicide

SUICIDE In the average population 11.3/100,000 die by suicide. Over age /100,000 die by suicide. American Indian/Alaskan Native /100,000 White /100,000 Hispanic - 6/100,000 Black - 5/100,000

SUICIDE 80% of suicides give a warning 90% attempt in their home

SUICIDE There are 11 non-fatal attempts/fatal. RISK FACTORS IN ADULTS ●depression ●alcohol abuse or other substance abuse ●mental disorders ●separation or divorce

SUICIDE RISK FACTORS IN YOUTH ●depression ●alcohol abuse and other substance abuse ●physical abuse ●sexual abuse ●disruptive disorder ● nQOfIhttp:// nQOfI

SUICIDE Most suicide attempts are the experience of extreme distress, not harmless bids for attention. If someone appears suicidal, do not leave them alone. They need immediate Mental Health Treatment.

Suicide WARNING SIGNS Withdrawal from friends, family and society. Uncontrolled anger, violence, seeking revenge. Acting reckless or engaging in risky or self destructive behaviors. Dramatic mood changes Talking about death New or increased substance abuse

Suicide Warning Signs No sense of purpose for living Anxiety/Agitation Too little or too much sleep Feeling trapped – like there is no way out. Hopelessness

SUICIDE PREVENTION Research helps to determine which factors can be modified and which interaction are most appropriate for specific groups. Because research shows that substance abuse and mental disorders are major risk factors, many program focus on treating these a well as the suicidal behavior.

SUICIDE Psychotherapy called cognitive therapy decreased repeat suicide attempts by 50% during a year of follow-up. Prior attempts are risk factor for a successful suicide. Medication approved by the FDA has shown to be helpful for people with schizophrenia.

SUICIDE PREVENTION Older adults and women who die by suicide are likely to have seen a primary care provider in the year before death. Improving the ability of the primary care provider to recognize and treat the risk factors may help prevent suicide.

SUICIDE PREVENTION Seek Assistance ●talk to parents theirs or yours ●at school - teachers/counselor/principal ●talk to clergy ●talk to a mentor ●seek professional help

Suicide WHAT CAN YOU DO? Listen actively and with concern Encourage the person to talk Don’t promise to keep it a secret. Don’t tell them they shouldn’t feel that way. Don’t leave them alone. Get help for the person.

Suicide Feelings of Family and Friends After a Suicide Grief Anger Guilt Sadness Relief Shame Abandonment Self-destructive urges

Suicide Helping Survivors What can I say? – I’m sorry, he/she will be missed. Share stories. What can I do? – Be there, offer to help with chores, childcare, cooking, etc. What about grief? – Let the person cry and grieve, there is no time limit of grieving, don’t rush the person to feel better.

Suicide Helping survivors What can’t I do? – Don’t talk about other suicides, don’t ask what happened, and don’t share your views on suicide. Be supportive Be patient Continue with daily routines

Suicide What to do after an attempt Be there Be patient Do not focus on the symptoms Consider joining a support group Don’t isolate yourself Don’t blame yourself Don’t feel you need to explain yourself to others

Suicide After a suicide PTSD – reaction to a extremely traumatic event o Symptoms can show up immediately or not for months or years o Duration of symptoms is not known

Suicide Symptoms of PTSD People who have lost someone to suicide may: o Re-experience the trauma o Numbness o Sleep disturbance o Guilt o Loss of memory/trouble concentrating o Avoiding certain activities o Identity confusion or isolation

SUICIDE