Suicide & Self Inflicted Injury

Suicide is considered to be the second leading cause of death of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 in the west, 3rd nationally. In the past 25 years suicide by 15-25 year olds has tripled. The fastest growing age group attempting suicide is children between the ages of 10 and 14. In 1999 our nation lost a young life to suicide every 2 hour and 6.8 minutes. For every completion, between 100 and 200 unsuccessful attempts by a young person are made. Males are more likely to complete suicide while females are more likely to attempt. The Centers for Disease Control estimates a suicide ideation rate, those who have seriously considered suicide, of more than 20% - with 10th grade girls exhibiting over a 30% rate. Of all of the violent deaths associated with schools nationwide since 1992, 14 percent were suicides. Availability of a gun in a home increases the chances of suicide happening in that home by 5 times. Further in homes where someone has attempted suicide most parents fail to remove the gun. Parents and educators should never underestimate the power of depression and stress on a youth. As there are many factors listed here as to the contributing factors, it should also be understood that the warning signs should NEVER be ignored. As a parent or friend of someone suffering from depression we tend to overlook the signals of extreme distress and say, “it will pass”. It may be too late for us to realize that the signals were there and it did not pass. You should never assume that one is immune from suicide as there is not way to ensure immunity from depression and a feeling of being overwhelmed. Youth are going through many challenges physically, mentally and socially. As an adult we may overlook the seriousness of such problems. Each person is an individual and each person has feelings that are their own. Do not push your sense of right and wrong feelings on anyone. Each person has their own feelings and sense of priority of these feelings and therefore should be comfortable in expressing those feelings without fearing another will dismiss them or reprioritize them. Someone may move away from family and feel a sense of relief while another person may feel an extreme sense of loss and separation. It does not make any one of these people’s feelings less genuine than the others. It does not make one person right or wrong. It just illustrates the differences between individuals and their uniqueness. If you need help with someone who is suicidal or if you are suffering with suicidal thoughts of your own, speak out and get help. You can do this confidentially so that your family and friends do not know or you can reach out to them for support. Just remember that you do not have to go at it alone. If you or someone you know needs help, you can call End youth Violence from anywhere in Canada and the United States for a private and confidential referral to someone in your local area who can help. Outside of Canada and the United States you can call your local operator of search on the Internet for free and confidential resources in your own community. Half of children whom have made one suicide attempt will attempt it again. Sometime this can happen up to twice a year until successful. Warning Signs Taken separately, these warning signs and risk factors are often seen as common characteristics of adolescence and are considered to be just part of the growing up process that our youth and teens endure. However, when one or more of the warning signs are coupled with one or more of the risk factors, the combination drastically increases the risk of suicide. Makes suicidal comments Abrupt changes in personality Giving away possessions Previous suicide attempt Change in sleeping or eating habits - significant weight changes Perfectionism Depression or Hopelessness Lack of self esteem Loss of enthusiasm, energy or motivation Loss of interest in favorite activities Extreme or extended boredom Inability to tolerate frustration Restlessness - unable to concentrate Withdrawal (from people, close friends, family and activities) Unwillingness or inability to communicate Unusual sadness Rebellious, hostile, reckless or self destructive behavior Neglect of personal appearance Use of drugs and/or alcohol (self medication) Promiscuity Themes of death or hopelessness in conversation, schoolwork or artwork Problems at school or with the law Tendency towards anger and impulsiveness Recently experienced a significant loss: a romance, the death of a loved one, divorce  Unexpected pregnancy Humiliation (Such as being a victim of bullies) Stressful family life - unrealistic parental pressure Physical, emotional or sexual abuse Parents who are depressed or substance abusers Family history of suicide Stress due to new situations - beginning a new school or relocating to a new community Loss of security Fear of authority, peers or group Teens who are gifted Teens with learning disabilities Failing - in school, an important test or an athletic goal A serious injury or illness Remorse at causing another persons pain - physically or emotionally Sexual orientation or identity confusion Does reading this list make you concerned about a friend? Reach Out and Listen The most important skills you can bring to the suicide prevention effort are your caring ears and open heart. Remember: STAY, LISTEN & GET HELP. When you reach out to people who may be thinking about suicide, your goal is to get them talking for as long as they want. No matter how uncomfortable their words make you feel - remember, what they’re feeling is even more uncomfortable for them. Your honest talk and careful listening will give the person three critical messages: I take you seriously. I care about you. I want to help If a person displays one or more of the suicide warning signs, it is important to ask them four direct questions: Are you thinking of trying to kill yourself? If yes. How do you plan to do it? When do you plan to do it? Where do you plan to do it? The bluntness of these questions makes it possible for the person to share the secret that they want to die. Your directness tells the person that you really are trying to understand and you really do want to help. Suicidal people are amazingly honest about their plans. They are usually not evasive or dishonest when they are asked direct questions. Many are glad to be asked because this shows that someone is taking them seriously. One reason it’s hard to listen to people talk about their troubles is that very often we are afraid that we won’t know what to say. If you don’t know what to say to a hurting person, here are some simple phrases to get you going:  “ I can see you’re upset.” “ You sound very unhappy.” “ I’m so sorry that you feel so bad.” “ How can I help?” “ I understand.” “ You must feel very frightened.” “ Boy, I’ve felt like that!” Remember: Don’t let the fear of saying the wrong words or of not saying the perfect words, keep you from encouraging the person to talk. It’s not what you say or don’t say that’s important, it’s how you say it. If you sound concerned, caring, friendly and interested, the person will respond to those feelings. Taken separately, these warning signs and risk factors are often seen as common characteristics of adolescence and are considered to be just part of the growing up process that our youth and teens endure. However, when one or more of the warning signs are coupled with one or more of the risk factors, the combination drastically increases the risk of suicide. Coping Strategies for Stress and Depression.  Don't hide your feelings Spend time with friends and family Get involved in outside activities Become a volunteer - you have a lot to offer! Accept other's thanks, compliments and praise Set realistic goals Get enough sleep and eat right Exercise - it releases uplifting endorphins! Laugh and keep your sense of humor Don't use drugs or alcohol - they inhibit judgment and increase depression Do not tolerate physical, emotional or sexual abuse from anyone. Get help! If you feel overwhelmed or troubled - ask for help. MYTH  vs. FACT Myth - More people attempt suicide close to the Christmas holidays. Fact - A common misconception - to see a graphic charting suicide attempts by month see the previous page. Myth - Talking about suicide may encourage someone to try it. Fact - People in suicide crisis need to talk about what they are feeling – it helps relieve the terrible isolation that can lead to a suicide attempt. Myth - People who talk about suicide rarely follow through or are just doing it for attention. Fact - Most people who attempt suicide have given some hint of their intent – whether verbally or through their behavior. Out of every 10 teens who attempt or complete suicide, seven have told someone about their plans. Myth - If a person is seriously considering suicide, nothing can be done to stop it. Fact - Most suicidal crises last only a very short time – between 24 to 72 hours. If someone stops them from carrying out their plan and guides them to professional help, there is a good chance they will never make another attempt. The suicidal person wants to die and feels there is no turning back Most suicidal people are undecided about living or dying right up to the moment of attempting the suicidal act. Many people who have survived a suicide attempt report immediately feeling regret and call for help. Myth - Suicide couldn't or wouldn’t happen in our community, we have great schools and caring parents! Fact - Suicide is an equal opportunity killer and crosses all ethnic and socioeconomic groups. No one is immune. Myth - A person suddenly exhibiting a cheerful attitude following a suicidal crisis or a prolonged depression is no longer in imminent danger. Fact - This can actually be the point at which the person has made the decision to suicide; the perceived elation is actually relief. The person my now have more energy to put the idea into action. The most dangerous time is approximately 80-100 days after a previous attempt. Myth - Someone must be mentally ill or clinically depressed to make a serious suicide attempts. Fact - Although many suicidal people are judged to have some sort of psychiatric illness, intelligent, sane people make most attempts. Feelings of hopelessness and despair are more accurate predictors of suicide. The following information is based on 1999 suicide and official statistical data of the United States. Average of 1 person every 18 minutes committed suicide.  Average of 1 child or youth (under the age of 24) committed suicide every 2 hours 6.8 minutes. 3 females attempt suicide for each male that attempts suicide. For every completed suicide there are 100-200 attempts by children or youth. 5 Million Americans alive have at some time attempted suicide. Suicide is the 11th top cause of death of Americans and NUMBER 3 for youth and children. Suicide with a firearm by youth was 2,315 which is a rate of 59.3% of suicide by youth and children. CONTACT END YOUTH VIOLENCE 604.592-6830