Suicide Prevention Week
September 7 - 13, 2008
For more information go to: www.suicidology.org
The goal of Suicide Prevention Week is to globally promote awareness and advocacy about suicide prevention.
Suicidal Facts:
- Each year, there are approximately 10 youth suicides for every 100,000 youth.
- Each day, there are approximately 12 youth suicides.
- Every 2 hours and 11 minutes, a person under the age of 25 completes suicide.
UNDERSTANDING AND HELPING THE SUICIDAL PERSON
Be aware of the Warning Signs:
- Hopelessness
- Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family and society
- Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Dramatic mood changes
- No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life
Be aware of Feelings:
- Can't stop the pain
- Can't think clearly
- Can't make decisions
- Can't see any way out
- Can't sleep, eat or work
- Can't get out of depression
- Can't make the sadness go away
- Can't see a future without pain
- Can't see themselves as worthwhile
- Can't get someone's attention
- Can't seen to get control
If you experience these feelings, get help!
Ways to be helpful to someone who is threatening suicide:
- Be aware. Learn the warning signs.
- Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
- Ask if he/she is thinking about suicide.
- Be direct. Talk openly and freely about suicide.
- Be willing to listen. Allow for expression of feelings. Accept the feelings.
- Be non-judgemental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.
- Don't dare him/her to do it.
- Don't give advice by making decisions for someone else to tell them to behave differently.
- Don't ask 'why'. This encourages defensiveness.
- Offer empathy, not sympathy.
- Don't act shocked.This creates distance.
- Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
- Offer hope that alternatives are available, do not offer glib reassurance; it only proves you don't understand.
- Take action! Remove means! Get help from individuals or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
CONTACT:
- A community mental health agency
- A school counselor or psychologist
- A suicide prevention/crisis intervention center
- A private therapist
- A family physician
- A religious/spirtual leader
TALK TO SOMEONE - YOU ARE NOT ALONE
