Suicide prevention is an important issue that holds great importance for people from all walks of life. Here are some facts about the importance of preventing suicide.
On average, about 33,000 Americans commit suicide each year. As a result, suicide is the eleventh most common cause of death in the United States. Suicide rates among those aged 15 to 24 have tripled since the 1950s, making suicide the third leading cause of death among the demographic.
The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) says that while many consider suicide to often result from a single event, in reality the act is usually the result of an aggregation of many smaller factors over time. It often stems from clinical depression, a problem from which one in five teenagers suffers. Risk factors include the giving away of prized possessions or putting affairs in order, recurring themes of death or depression in conversation or writings, sudden drastic decline or improvement in schoolwork, chronic headaches or fatigue, substance abuse, and taking unnecessary risks, among others.
According to the TSPN, “Any one of these signals alone doesn’t necessarily indicate a person is suicidal. However, several signals may because for concern. Signals are especially important if the person has attempted suicide in the past.”
The TSPN suggests that when dealing with a potentially suicidal person, the first and most important step is to talk with and, more importantly, listen to that person. Showing support and caring for the person is another important step, as well as alerting important people in the person’s life. Informing the appropriate mental health professional is paramount, as untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide.
Most importantly, do not remain silent about the person’s decision to commit suicide.
“Saving a life is more important than keeping a promise,” says the TSPN.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
