Suicide is the act of taking one's own life. Suicide accounts for about 1% of yearly deaths in the United States and is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15-24.WebMD: Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide Approximately one in ten of those who threaten suicide will go on to kill themselves and one in three people who attempt suicide will repeat the attempt within a year.The New York Times: Suicide and Suicidal Behavior
Why do people kill themselves or try to?
Most teens interviewed after making a suicide attempt say that they did it because they were trying to escape from a bad or sad situation that seemed impossible to deal with or to get relief from the bad thoughts or feelings that they were experiencing. It wasn't that they actually wanted to die as much as it was that they needed to escape. It was at that moment in time that dying seemed like the only way out. http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/feeling_sad/suicide.html
Some people who end their lives or attempt suicide could be overwhelmed by feelings of loss or a sense of rejection or even just an unnamed pain. Others might be battling anger, shame or guilt about some circumstance in their life. . Then there are the people that have stress from their jobs a feeling of failure or a sense that they have disappointed family or friends. Research has shown that some people just have an intense feeling that they are unloved, not wanted or victimized, and that they are a problem or burden to others.http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/feeling_sad/suicide.html
We all at points in our life feel overwhelmed by difficult emotions or situations, but the majority of people can work through the problem. Most people can put the problem in perspective and move past it without losing hope. Depression is the main cause of these unshakable feelings and a leading cause of suicide. This is what makes a person unable to resist the urge to end it all when things feel overwhelming. Depression is what can make a person less resilient and unable to move past the bad feelings.http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/feeling_sad/suicide.html
Warning Signs of Suicide
- Talking about or threatening to commit suicide
- Alcohol or drug use
- Giving away possessions
- Engaging in dangerous behavior
- Depression
- Sudden behavioral changes
- Lack of interest in the futureYoung Adult Health: Suicide
Suicide Prevention PSA
This Public Service Announcement was made to help prevent suicide by bringing the warning signs to the forefront. There are distinct warning signs and this commercial gives some insight into them. Giving away a persons belongings is a signal. Another would be a lack of participation and enjoyment. The third is the feeling they will not be around much longer. This announcement is meant to help watch out for these warning signs.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you or someone you know may be suicidal, please consult your doctor.
References
Fast Facts
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In 2005, approximately 32,000 Americans committed suicideThe New York Times: The Urge to End It All (July 6, 2008)
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American suicide rates have changed little in the past 40 yearsThe New York Times: The Urge to End It All (July 6, 2008)
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90% of those who commit suicide have some sort of mental health disorderThe New York Times: The Urge to End It All (July 6, 2008)
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Men who attempt suicide are more likely to be successful than womenThe New York Times: Suicide and Suicidal Behavior
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Up to one million people commit suicide worldwide every yearMedicineNet: Suicide
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Rise in suicide rates among U.S. Marines prompts marine officials to require a 2-hour suicide prevention presentation beginning in March of 2009Los Angeles Times: Marine suicide rate up, prompting more prevention training (February 28, 2009)
