Suicide

WHY PEOPLE COMMIT SUICIDE

In 2004 over 30,000 people in the United States committed suicide; and these rates seem to be increasing (National Institute of Mental Health, 2008). If we know why people are committing suicide then prevention becomes easier. Risk factors for suicide include:

• low socioeconomic status

• experiencing physical or sexual abuse or other types of trauma

• lack of healthy social relationships

• lack of coping skills

• experiencing some sort of loss

• mental illness

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) over 90% of people who committed suicide were experiencing some type of mental illness, depression being the most common (WHO, 2006).


WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?

• Suicidal Ideation. This is often manifested by thinking, talking, or wishing about suicide or death.  The individual may or may not have a plan for carrying out one’s own death, or may be looking for ways to die: internet searches for how to commit suicide, looking for guns, pills, etc.

• Sudden and abnormal feelings of anger or anxiety or other dramatic mood-changes.  This may be manifested by angry outbursts, restlessness, irritability, and/or agitation.

• Increased appearance of recklessness or risky behavior. This may involve physically risky stunts, apparent disregard for one’s own life in the pursuit of excitement, or increased substance use or abuse (including changes in substances used).

• Increased focus on death and dying. This may include talking about suicide or an abnormal preoccupation with death.  This may also be manifested by an individual appearing to set their affairs in order by giving things away, suddenly preparing a will, or saying good bye to or seeking reconciliation with friends and family.  Many of these behaviors can be perfectly normal in any stage of life, so one must not jump to conclusions because these things are observed. This is simply a red flag that should be considered if other symptoms are also observed.

• General loss of interest or disconnect from things, behaviors, and people one typically cares about. This may be manifested by withdrawal from social circles, or a loss of purpose or belonging. It may also be suggested by feelings or expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness, or helplessness. In general, this may appear as a sudden removal or derailment of oneself from the track or course of life one is on.  Important things are no longer important and fun things are no longer fun.


WHAT CAN CLERGY DO?

There is no one particular method to preventing suicide. Furthermore, nothing can remove an individual’s own freedom to choose the path of his/her own life or death, regardless of treatment or intervention. The main key to suicide prevention is awareness on the part of the individual and those who surround them. In order to save the lives of their friends, loved ones, or patrons, one must not be afraid of asking the difficult questions and engaging in the hard and often uncomfortable conversations associated with suicide.

Suicide attempts are a cry for help. Clergy members can offer support. In addition to providing support, the clergy can seek out mental health professionals to provide assistance to these individuals. Clergy members should not try to handle these issues by themselves.


TREATMENT

If someone is talking about suicide, and has a plan do NOT leave them alone. Lack of a plan or perception that the individual is not seriously considering suicide is not sufficient basis to withdraw an intervention.  The individual may not be happy with the intervention (or those taking part in it) or may refuse to participate, but this also is not ground for withdrawal.  Ensure continued monitoring until help is received from a mental health professional. Call 911, and make sure there are no weapons or pills around them. Be sure to take them seriously and always be empathic and willing to listen (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention). Mental health professionals should be a part of the treatment process. Suicidal thoughts or attempts are often accompanied by a mental illness. Medication and therapy are treatment options for individuals suffering from thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts. Even after therapy it is important to follow-up with them and make sure they have support.


MYTHS OF SUICIDE

• Those who talk about suicide won’t actually do it. Suicide threats need to be taken seriously. Ask the hard questions. Do they have a plan? Have they attempted? Make sure they commit to safety and get them professional help immediately.

• Teenagers are the most likely to commit suicide. Suicide is most common in the elderly population (NIMH, 2008).

• People will only try to commit suicide once. Statistics show that people usually attempt 8–25 times before dying by suicide.

• Women are more likely to commit suicide. Women are more likely to attempt suicide than men, but men are more likely to carry it out successfully (Morrison, 2003).

• If someone is suicidal there is nothing you can do and they will always be that way. There are many resources and opportunities for helping those who feel suicidal. Do not give up on anyone.


RESOURCES AND AGENCIES

1-800-273-TALK (8255)
An anonymous 24/7 national hotline for those thinking about suicide, or in need of talking about someone who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
www.asfp.org
Contains additional information about suicide treatment and intervention.

National Youth Violence Prevention Center
http://www.safeyouth.org/scripts/topics/suicide.asp

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/suicide.html
 
Heart and Soul Suicide Survivors Support Group
When:  2nd Thursday of every Month
Where:  Northwest Plaza  1134 North 500 West ~ Provo (UVRMC Student Educational Building)
Classroom #6 ~ second floor
Time:  7-9 pm
This group is ongoing and free.
Have you lost your son, your mother or a dear friend to suicide?  You are not alone!  We invite you to come and join a wonderful, unique group who understand surviving suicide ~ for we too are survivors.
For more information call:  Charn  801-372-3523  Dave   801-362-8494   Jackie  801-368-7263
 
Utah County Crisis Line
Crisis Hotline 226-4433
A center for those who are in need of help during a crisis in their life.
For general information or to volunteer call (801) 226-4468.

Canary Garden
http://www.canarygarden.org
Located in Orem, Canary Garden offers support to families who are grieving the loss of a family member no matter what the cause of death.

The World Health Organization
The World Health Organization provides statistics about suicide and articles about prevention.
http://www.who.int/mental_health/resources/suicide/en/index.html