Suicide Prevention
More than 30,000 people in
the United States die by suicide every year. It is this country's 11th
leading cause of death, and the third leading cause of death among people
ages 15-24. Suicide is not about wanting to die, but about a powerful
need for pain to end. People choose suicide because they feel unable
to cope with feelings of pain, hopelessness, helplessness, isolation,
and uncertainties.
The strongest warning sign
is verbal.
Common remarks are: "I can't go on," "Nothing
matters any more" or even "I'm thinking of ending it all."
Take these comments seriously.
Other common warning signs
include:
- Becoming depressed or withdrawn
- Behaving recklessly
- Getting affairs in order
and giving away valued possessions
- Showing a marked change
in behavior, attitudes or appearance
- Abusing drugs or alcohol
- Suffering a major loss or
life change
- Feeling trapped - like there
is no way out
- Withdrawing from friends,
family, and society
- Anxiety
- Unable to sleep or sleeping
all the time.
- Expressing no reason for
living; no sense of purpose in life
-
- (from Network
for Good and ULifeline )
If you cannot reach appropriate
help during a crisis:
- Take the individual to an
emergency room or mental health walk-in clinic.
- Do not leave the person
alone until professional help is with him/her.
- Remove any firearms, alcohol,
drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
For more information:
- Google: Befrienders Worldwide
- Google: Network for Good
- Google: ULifeline
During a time of crisis:
- Call the Crisis Line in Nashville,
615-244-7444
.
- Call the National Hopeline
Network at 1-800-suicide. This telephone number provides access to trained
telephone counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.