September 5th through the 12th is Suicide Prevention Week; September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. You can make a difference by spreading awareness.
Facts About Suicide
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in people 15-24 years old and the 10th leading cause among adults. In 2014 alone, approximately 42,000 deaths occurred as a result of suicide; this means, on average, a person took their own life every 12.3 minutes. Of the near 5,000 suicides of people ages 15-24 in 2014, there were approximately 100-200 attempts made per each death. These are some very large statistics for such young people; so ultimately, how do we become more aware and prevent such a terribly prevalent act?
Suicide Warning Signs for Teens and Young Adults
There are many suicide risks and warning signs, include the following:
- Increased substance (alcohol or drug) use
- No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life
- Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all of the time
- Feeling trapped – like there’s no way out
- Hopelessness
- Withdrawal from friends, family and society
- Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Dramatic mood changes
What You Can Do to Help
As a parent, teacher, or friend of a person with depression or thoughts of suicide, you play a vital role in suicide prevention. Watch for the warning signs and symptoms of depression; seek the advice and attention of a medical professional if behavior persists. Encourage the person to talk with you or someone they trust; tell them how much they mean to you and how much you care. Recognizing and preventing teen depression will vastly improve your efforts at suicide prevention. If you feel someone you may know is thinking about suicide, contact a health care professional or suicide crisis line immediately.
If you are in crisis contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255)
For further information, check out the following resources:
http://suicidepreventionecny.org/
