1. Suicidal Individuals Rose Marie Lichtenfels MSW, MA, LCSW

2. Statistics Suicide is a major preventable public health problem In 2013 it was the10 th leading cause of death in the US accounting for 41,149 deaths. In 2005 is was the 9 th leading cause of death for Arizona accounting for 838 per year with an average of 2.3 suicides everyday

3. Type of Suicide Firearm suicides – 21,175 (51.4%) Suffocation suicides – 10,062 (24.5%) Poisoning Suicides – 6,637 (16.1%)

4. Suicide Rates by Age The highest rate was age 45 to 64 at 19.1% The second highest was age 85 years and older at 18.6% Next was age 25 to 44 at 17.2% Adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 had the lowest suicide rate of 10.9%

5. Suicide Rates by Sex For many years, the suicide rate has been 4 times higher among men than women. In 2013 that trend continued: Men had a suicide rate of 20.2% Women had a suicide rate of 5.5% Of those who died by suicide in 2013, 77.9% were male and 22.1% were female

6. Suicide Rates by Race/Ethnicity In 2013 the rates where Whites – 14.2% American Indians and Alaska Natives – 11.7% Asians and Pacific Islanders – 5.8% Blacks – 5.4% Hispanics – 5.7%

7. Economic Impact The economic cost of suicide death in the U.S. was estimated in 2010 to be more than $44 billion annually. With the burden of suicide falling most heavily on adults of working age, the cost to the economy results almost entirely from lost wages and work productivity.

8. Suicide Attempts In 2013, the most recent year for which data is available, 494,169 people visited a hospital for injuries due to self-harm behavior, suggesting that approximately 12 people harm themselves (not necessarily intending to take their lives) for every reported death by suicide.

9. Risk Factors for Suicide Historical Factors Family History of Suicide. Family History of Mental Health Conditions. Previous Suicide Attempts. Childhood Abuse.

10. Risk Factors for Suicide Environmental Factors Contagion would include exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide. Access to Lethal Means including firearms and drugs. Prolonged Stress Factors which may include harassment, bullying, relationship problems, and unemployment. Stressful Life Events which may include a death, divorce, job loss or incarceration

11. Risk Factors for Suicide Health Factors Mental health conditions such as depression, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Conduct disorder, Anxiety disorders, and Psychotic disorders to name a few Substance abuse disorder Serious chronic health condition and/or pain

12. Risk Factors for nonfatal Suicide Attempts An estimated 8 to 25 nonfatal attempts occur per every suicide death. Men and the elderly are more likely to have fatal attempts than are women and youth. Risk factors for nonfatal suicide attempts by adults include depression and other mental disorders, alcohol use, drug use and separation and divorce

13. Risk Factors for nonfatal Suicide Attempts Risk factors for attempted suicide by youth include depression, alcohol, or other drug use disorder, physical or sexual abuse and disruptive behavior. Most suicides attempts are expressions of extreme distress, not harmless bids for attention. A person who appears suicidal needs immediate mental health treatment

14. Suicide Men Vs. Women Suicide was the 8 th leading cause of death for males and the 17 th leading cause of death for females in 2005 Almost four times as many males as females die by suicide

15. Reasons for Suicide Some people might be trying to escape a feeling of rejection, hurt, or loss. Others might be angry, ashamed, or guilty about something. Some people may be worried about disappointing friends or family members. Some may feel unwanted, unloved, victimized, or like they’re a burden to others.

16. Suicide Warning Signs People who kill themselves exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do. The more warning signs, the greater the risk. They show their intent in three ways: Talk Behavior Mood

17. Talk If a person talks about: Killing themselves. Having no reason to live. Being a burden to others. Feeling trapped. Unbearable pain.

18. Behavior A person’s suicide risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, especially if it’s related to a painful event, loss, or change. Increased use of alcohol or drugs. Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online for materials or means. Acting recklessly. Withdrawing from activities. Isolating from family and friends. Sleeping too much or too little. Visiting or calling people to say goodbye. Giving away prized possessions. Aggression.

19. Mood People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods. Depression. Loss of interest. Rage. Irritability. Humiliation. Anxiety.

20. Signs of thinking or planning a suicide Talking about suicide or death in general Talking about “going away” Referring to things they “won’t be needing”, and giving away possessions Talking about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty Experiencing changes in eating or sleeping habits

21. Signs of thinking or planning a suicide Pulling away from friends or family and losing the desire to go out Having no desire to take part in favorite things or activities Having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly Engaging in self-destructive behavior (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or cutting self for example)

22. How to help someone suicidal Take any threat seriously. Remember: suicidal behavior is a cry for help. Be willing to give and get help. Listen!!!!!!

23. How to help someone suicidal Ask, “are you having thoughts of suicide? If the person is threatening suicide, do not leave them alone. Remember: threats+previous attemtps+plan +means could mean a successful completion of suicide

24. How to help a survivor of suicide Accept the intensity of the grief Listen with your heart Avoid simplistic explanations and clichés Be compassionate Respect the need to grieve

25. How to help a survivor of suicide Understand the uniqueness of suicide grief Be aware of support groups Respect faith and spirituality Work together as helpers

26. Question they may ask Is it normal to feel this way? Your response can change how they feel about what has happened If you’ve lost someone to suicide, you may feel alone, shocked, responsible, angry, abandoned, ashamed, guilty, or relieved. Don’t worry. It is normal to have some, all, or none of these feelings as you cope with suicide loss.