40 Seconds
One person dies by suicide every 40 seconds. September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day and deserves an extra special blog post all to itself.
A common misconception about suicide is that by talking about it with people we make it more likely people will commit suicide. In fact, the opposite is true. Talking about suicide (and mental health) with people provides them a safe place which may decrease the likelihood of suicide. There is definitely a difference in the impact of having an in-person genuine conversation with someone about suicide and the way suicide tends to be discussed in the media. Research suggests that when suicide is sensationalized in the media, it can increase the risk of suicide among certain people.
Suicide does not tend to get discussed a lot in our relationships with others. In an effort to increase awareness about suicide and help reduce stigma around suicide this post will give you information about suicide facts, what you should look for if you are concerned about a loved one, ways to help, and resources/references for more information.
Things you should know about suicide:
- Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death among people between 15 and 29 years old.
- Suicide is the FOURTH leading cause of death among adults between the ages of 18 and 65.
- Suicide rates are 4 times higher among MEN than women. Men account for 79% of completed suicides in the United States.
- WOMEN attempt suicide 3 times more often than men.
- Suicide rates are highest for MEN aged 75 and over.
- Suicide rates among the ELDERLY are highest for people who are widowed or divorced.
- A prior suicide attempt places a person at higher risk to complete suicide.
- For every suicide completed, 25 people make a suicide attempt.
- There is 1 suicide completed for every 4 suicide attempts among the ELDERLY.
- The highest rates of suicide in the United States is among whites, American Indians and Alaska Natives.
- Lesbian, gay, and bisexual kids are THREE times more likely to attempt suicide at some point in their life. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual young people who come from families that reject or do not accept them are over EIGHT times more likely to attempt suicide than those whose families accept them.
- Each time a LGBTQ person is a victim of physical or verbal harassment or abuse, they become 2.5 times more likely to hurt themselves.
What to look for if you are concerned about someone:
- Talking about suicide. “I’d be better off dead.” “I wish I hadn’t been born.”
- Seeking out means to commit suicide. This could include buying a firearm or saving up medications.
- Preoccupation with death.
- No hope for the future. Believing things will never get better or change. Feeling hopeless or helpless about the future.
- Feeling like a burden to others.
- Getting affairs in order. Making a will and/or giving away possessions.
- Saying good-bye to people as if they won’t see them again.
- Withdrawing from others.
- Self-destructive behavior.
- A sudden sense of calm after being severely depressed.
What you can do:
- Speak up! Reach out to people you are concerned about.
- Reduce access to items people can use to commit suicide (e.g., firearms, certain medications).
- Respond quickly if you believe someone is in crisis. A person with a plan who intends to end their life should be taken to the closest Emergency Department. You can take them to the Emergency Department yourself if they are willing or call 9-1-1.
- Offer help and support.
- Raise awareness to reduce stigma!!! Talk about it!
- Encourage people who are struggling with their emotional health to engage with mental health professionals. Treating mental health concerns decreases the risk of suicide.
- Call the crisis hotline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), if you need to talk or have questions about how to help someone.
- Volunteer and/or participate! FirstLink needs volunteers to assist with the crisis hotline. The Out of the Darkness Walk is held every year in the Fargo-Moorhead area to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Resources/References (not a complete list):
https://save.org/about-suicide/suicide-facts/
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/suicide-prevention/suicide-prevention.htm
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
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