Suicide Prevention
If you are in crisis
Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential. http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Introduction
Suicide is a major public health concern. Over 41,000 people die by suicide each year in the United States; it is the 10th leading cause of death overall. Suicide is complicated and tragic but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives.
Signs and Symptoms
The behaviors listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide.
- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
- Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live
- Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
- Talking about great guilt or shame
- Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
- Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Using alcohol or drugs more often
- Acting anxious or agitated
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Changing eating and/or sleeping habits
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
- Talking or thinking about death often
- Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
- Giving away important possessions
- Saying goodbye to friends and family
- Putting affairs in order, making a will
If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently. One resource, also noted above, is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889.
Who is at risk for suicide?
Law enforcement officers and firefighters are amongst the highest risk occupational classifications for suicide, according to research published by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) Vol. 65, No. 25 (dated July 1, 2016). Across 22 occupational categories, protective services occupations (e.g., law enforcement officers and firefighters) were associated with the #1 highest rate of suicides amongst females and the #6 highest rate of suicides amongst males. The CDCR MMWR article additionally reported:
“Research has suggested that higher suicide rates among police are related to stressors including exposure to traumatic, violent, and lethal situations; work overload; shift work; and access to lethal means. Females in protective service occupations might also experience additional stressors in these traditionally male-dominated occupations.”
Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk for suicide. But people most at risk tend to share certain characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are:
- Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder
- A prior suicide attempt
- Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse
- Family history of suicide
- Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
- Having guns or other firearms in the home
- Incarceration, being in prison or jail
- Being exposed to others’ suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or media figures
The risk for suicidal behavior is complex. Research suggests that people who attempt suicide differ from others in many aspects of how they think, react to events, and make decisions. There are differences in aspects of memory, attention, planning, and emotion, for example. These differences often occur along with disorders like depression, substance use, anxiety, and psychosis. Sometimes suicidal behavior is triggered by events such as personal loss or violence.
In order to be able to detect those at risk and prevent suicide, it is crucial that we understand the role of both long-term factors—such as experiences in childhood—and more immediate factors like mental health and recent life events. Researchers are also looking at how genes can either increase risk or make someone more resilient to loss and hardships.
Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. Suicide is not a normal response to stress. It is however, a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention.
BLUE Documentary Video
“BLUE is a docudrama that was originally conceived to create greater public awareness of all too frequent suicides among law enforcement in the United States, and as a catalyst for mental and emotional health training programs for police departments across the country.” (Source: IACP; http://www.theiacp.org/Preventing-law-Enforcement-officer-suicide).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHhy-PFMLkk&w=750
What about gender, age, and different racial/ethnic groups?
Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide. Men are more likely to use deadlier methods, such as firearms or suffocation. Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide by poisoning.
Children and young people are at risk for suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 34.
Older adults are at risk for suicide, too. While older adults were the demographic group with the highest suicide rates for decades, suicide rates for middle-aged adults have increased to comparable levels (ages 24-62). Among those age 65+, white males comprise over 80% of all late life suicides.Among racial and ethnic groups, American Indians and Alaska Natives tend to have the highest rate of suicides, followed by non-Hispanic Whites. Hispanics tend to have the lowest rate of suicides, while African Americans tend to have the second lowest rate.
If someone is at risk for suicide
If you know someone who appears to be at immediate or imminent risk for suicide, you should call 911. Stay with the person in a safe place until additional help arrives. Stay in contact with the at-risk person to monitor their progress and assist with access to supportive resources.
If you are concerned about a co-worker who may be at risk for suicide, you can contact the Cordico EAP 24/7 line (1-800-898-0585) for support and guidance. You can also utilize the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) to discuss your concerns and seek support and advice. If you want to reach out directly to the person you’re concerned about, you may consider the following steps depending upon the circumstances, your relationship with the person, and what feels appropriate to you in the specific situation:
- Be sensitive to individual differences in terms of openness and willingness to discuss personal problems and emotions;
- Ask the person how he or she is doing and listen without judgement;
- Mention changes you’ve noticed in his or her behavior;
- Express concern for the person’s wellbeing;
- Encourage the co-worker to talk with someone in the Cordico EAP and the HR department or peer support program (if applicable), or to utilize another mental health professional who is qualified to assist with the matter;
- Offer to assist the person with setting up access to supportive resources; and,
- Stay in contact with the person to provide additional support and monitor their progress.
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