| SUICIDE PREVENTION |
| Today in the United States, an average of 20 Young People will kill themselves. At least 1,000 Teens attempt suicide each day. But Suicide just may be the most preventable cause of death among teens. The majority of teens who commit suicide suffer greatly from depression. Even if they are not clinically depressed, they may experience negative moods and self-hatred. A suffering teenager may see suicide as the only path pain and hopelessness of the moment. Reasons for Teen Suicide * Having an unrealistic, romantic view of death. * Feeling like a failure. * Inability to express anger or pain. * Lacking firm values or rules on which to base life decisions. * Suffering a loss and seeing no end to deep grief. * Having a relative or friend commit suicide, making the act seem (falsely) reasonable. * Trying to impress another person with the urgency of their feelings. Common Misconceptions of Suicide * They Just Want Attention A widely believed and dangerous myth is that a person who talks about suicide just wants attention, and is best ignored. This wrong idea can lull friends and family into complacency even while a person is plainly displaying suicidal intentions. It may even give victims added reasons to follow through--to prove the seriousness of the intent. * Girls Are Not As Serious As Boys A related false idea is that girls, because they survive more suicide attempts, are not as serious as boys in their threats. It's true that girls often attempt more suicide with drugs rather than firearms, increasing the chances for their discovery and rescue. It is also true, however, that a person who has tried suicide in the past will probably do so again--and may very possibly succeed. * They Are Mentally Ill or Weak Another myth is that people who commit suicide are mentally ill or weak in character. True, a few adolescents who kill themselves were suffering from a serious mental illness. The remaining great majority do not suffer mental illness at the time of death, but cannot see another way out of their problems. * Don't Mention Suicide To Them One of the most damaging myths concerns a fear of speaking openly about suicide for fear of "putting ideas in their heads." A suicidal person already has the idea, and if the person is not considering suicide, no harm is done through its mention. Talking openly with a clearheaded person about their intent can often act as a lifeline to people considering suicide. It opens the door to the possibility of help. Warning Signs It is important that suicide is a possibility. Otherwise you may miss the warning signs. * Abrupt changes in personality; aggressive, hostile behavior; Impulsiveness; Sudden mood swings. * Alcohol or Drug abuse. * Anxiety at times of separation. * Ceasing to groom oneself or care for one's room, possessions, or clothes. * Ceasing to meet responsibilities. (Do homework or return calls) * Cessation of hobbies and activities. * Changes in eating or sleeping habbits; weight loss or fatigue. * Feeling bad about oneself; feeliong extremely sad, pessimistic, and helpless. * Giving away possessions; making a will or other final arrangements. * Not caring what happens; passive behavior. * Refusal to leave the room or the bed. * Slackening of interest in schoolwork and declining grades. * Thinking, talking, or writing about death; even outwardly lightearted or vague references to death or dying. * Withdrawal from friends or family. * Sudden lifting of depression, signalling feelings of relief after deciding to commit "suicide" as a solution to problems. How To Help The first step in preventing suicide is to get involved or, if you cannot get involved, tell someone else who can help. Don't wait to see what develops, because tomorrow may be too late. Ask outright if the person is planning suicide. Be careful not to make light of your friend's feelings. If you imply that your friend doesn't mean it, you may unknowingly offer a dare. At the same time as you show your concern, try to offer reassurance that the crisis is temporary. If the person seems on the verge of making a suicide attempt, the two most important things to do are these: * Phone a suicide hotline or crisis center immediately. * Stay with the person until help arrives. SUICIDE HOTLINES 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) LOCATE A SUICIDE HOTLINE IN YOUR STATE CANADIAN HOTLINES AUSTRALIAN HOTLINES If You Receive A Call From Someone Suicidal |
| Suicide Prevention Links "Light for Life", the Yellow Ribbon Foundation www.YellowRibbon.org Metanoia - Suicide The Teen Link in HOUSTON SAVE - Suicidal Awareness www.Save.org The American Association of Suicidology www.Suicidology.org |
| "But these words, they can't replace... the life you Waste." --Aaron Lewis STAIND |