By Carol Church, Writer, Family Album
Reviewed by Heidi Radunovich, PhD, Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, University of Florida
This post is in honor of Suicide Prevention Week (9/8-9/14). Take a moment to help by sharing this post or one of the resources in Further Reading.
Robin Williams’ recent death by suicide was deeply saddening to millions who had enjoyed his iconic performances and outrageously funny comedy over the years. For many, the death felt extremely personal. And for some, it was a reminder of a friend or loved one lost to the tragedy of suicide.
Tragically Common
Many people don’t realize that 50% more Americans die from suicide than homicide every year. It is the tenth leading cause of death in the country. Suicide is most common among those over age 65 and those between the ages of 15 and 24. Although more women attempt suicide than men, more men complete the act.
For years, the very topic of suicide was taboo. It was thought that asking people if they were suicidal might “put ideas into their heads” or increase risk. We now know this to be untrue. While it’s crucial to report on suicide responsibly (experts warn that the media should not romanticize suicide, nor report on method or location), it’s important to talk about it, especially if you think someone is at risk.
What are the Warning Signs?
Suicide rarely occurs without warning. In most cases, a person at risk will show symptoms of trouble ahead of time. Some warning signs include feelings of intense anxiety, hopelessness, or rage, dramatic mood swings, increased substance use, withdrawal from loved ones and normal activities, talking or writing about death and suicide, or unusually reckless behavior. The person may express feelings of being trapped—unable to make the pain stop or the sadness go away. A history of depression (especially untreated depression) is a major risk factor. Those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol in addition to being depressed are in even more danger.
How Can I Help?
What can you do if you’re worried about suicidal feelings in someone you care about? Don’t be afraid to bring up the subject. Be empathetic, but don’t lecture or scold. Listen–and take action. Connect the person in pain with help (try hotlines, counselors, religious figures, or doctors) as soon as possible, and make sure guns, pills, razors, and other means of harm have been removed. In some cases, it may be necessary to take the person to an emergency room. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-TALK) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Hope is Real
Suicide is preventable, and there is hope. Many or most suicidal people want to live, but are in serious crisis. Most people who survive a suicide attempt will not go on to die by suicide at a later time. If you suspect that someone you know is struggling with suicidal feelings, don’t wait. Speak up, and reach out.
(Photo credit: Hope by Justin Ried. CC BY 2.0. Cropped.)
Further Reading
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Suicide Warning Signs and Risk Factors
Suicide Prevention: How to Help Someone Who is Suicidal
References:
American Association of Suicidology. (2014). National Suicide Prevention Week Information and Media Kit. Retrieved from http://www.suicidology.org/Portals/14/docs/MediaKit2014.1.pdf
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2104). Suicide risk factors and warning signs. Retrieved from http://www.afsp.org/preventing-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs
Harvard School of Public Health. (2104). Attempters’ longterm survival. Retrieved from http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/means-matter/means-matter/survival/
NPR. (2009). Media should tread carefully in covering suicide. Retrieved from http://www.wbur.org/npr/120755264
Recommendations for reporting on suicide. (2012). Retrieved from http://reportingonsuicide.org/Recommendations2012.pdf
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