RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS AND RISK FACTORS OF SUICIDE

Suicide is a major, preventable public health problem.  There are four male suicides for every female suicide, but three times as many females as males attempt suicide.  According to the 2012 Shiawassee County Health Needs Assessment Report, 3% of Shiawassee County adults considered attempting suicide, 2% of adults made a plan about how they would attempt suicide. In December 2012, Shiawassee County Central Dispatch reported 15 suicide attempts.

Although there are suicides that occur without any warnings, most people who are suicidal do give warnings.  By learning to recognize the signs of someone who is at risk of taking their life, you may be able to prevent the suicide of someone you care about.

Some risk factors vary with age, gender, or ethnic group and may occur in combination or change over time.  Some observable warning signs of suicide are:

·         Loss of interest in school and regular activities

·         Withdrawal from friends and family

·         Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, self-blame, or guilt

·         Unexpected rage, anger, irritable mood

·         Anxiety, psychic pain and inner tension

·         Feeling that there is no way out; need to escape

·         Talking about not being around–nothing matters anymore and there is nothing to live for

·         Sleep problems

·         Talking about death and threats of suicide

·         Prior suicide attempt

·         Prior family history of mental disorder or substance abuse

·         Prior family history of suicide

·         Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

·         Incarceration

·         Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others, such a family members, peers

·         Make a plan:  Giving away prized possessions, sudden or impulsiveness to obtain a means of killing oneself such as poisons, medications or firearms.

If you notice signs of behavior change and think someone is suicidal, acknowledge that you are aware of a change and do not leave this person alone.  Try to get the person to seek immediate help by either talking to their doctor or take them to the nearest hospital emergency room.  If necessary, call 911 or Shiawassee County Community Mental Health Authority Crisis line at 1.800.622.4514.  All calls are confidential.