Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention

September 7, 2014

By: Staci Lee Schnell, M.S., C.S., LMFT

World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10^th.  About 3000 people commit suicide every day, according to World Health Organization (WHO) and approximately 60,000 more actually attempt suicide daily. Roughly one million people die by committing suicide each and every year.

Unfortunately, it usually takes a tragedy to open our eyes to an important subject; for example the recent tragedy of the suicide and loss of icon Robin Williams.  Perhaps his tragic death will enhance suicide awareness and prevent future losses. Suicide is the one major preventable cause of premature death today.  Knowing the risk factors of suicide and understanding warning signs can help reduce suicide rates.

Risk Factors for Suicide include:      

• Mental Health Issues
• Previous Suicide Attempt
• Family History of Suicide
• Substance Abuse
• Serious Medical Condition and/or Chronic Pain

• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Conduct Disorder
• Anxiety Disorders (Specifically PTSD)

Warning Signs of Suicide include:

• Talking about killing themselves
• Preparing to kill themselves (i.e. hoarding prescription narcotics or buying a gun)
• Discussing a plan
• Hopelessness
• Losing interest in things that used to give pleasure
• Social isolation

If you suspect someone is a risk for suicide, take it seriously.  Do not leave the person alone, and remove all access to drugs and weapons.   Seek immediate professional help.  Appropriate mental health treatments such as talk therapy and medications can be extremely helpful, fairly quickly.

Facilities:

• —Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• —Psychiatric Hospital
• —Hospital Emergency Room
• —Urgent Care Center
• —Call 911

Resources:

• American Psychiatric Association
  www.psych.org  
  1-888-357-7924 and press 0

• American Psychological Association
  www.apa.org
  1-800-964-2000

• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
  www.aamft.org
  http://www.therapistlocator.net/imis15/therapistlocator/?_ga=1.190905066.1935933619.1398735340

• Department of Veterans Affairs
  www.mentalhealth.va.gov/gethelp.asp

• Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance
  www.dbsalliance.org

• Anxiety Disorders of America Association
  www.adaa.org/findinghelp/treatment

• Mental Health America
  www.mha.org

• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
  www.nami.org