Youth Suicide Prevention

For many people facing depression, suicide may seem like the only way out. 30,000 people across all age groups die by suicide every year. However, even more alarming is that among young people aged 10-24, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death. Typically, this isn’t as much an obsession with dying as much as feeling desperate to end pain, which makes suicide a permanent “solution” to an often temporary problem. Thus, suicide often doesn’t come out of the blue. 4 out of 5 victims will show warning signs prior to attempting to kill themselves, and can be helped. But friends and loved ones need to recognize these signs. This year Suicide Prevention Week falls from September 9-15. The purpose of this event is to build awareness and educate the population about what some of the warning signs are, so that they might identify those close to them who might need help. More than 80 percent of people who suffer from depression will have success with treatment.

Often times, people may feel depressed in response to stressful life situations. However, suicide and suicidal behavior is not a normal response to stress. So if you know someone close to you who is suffering, or suspect they might be, it is important to take it seriously and keep an eye on them for these warning signs.

• Becoming depressed or withdrawn from friends or family. Feeling lost, hopeless, or sad frequently.
• Frequent talk of suicide, or a preoccupation with death.
• Lack of interest in activities once found enjoyable.
• Showing a marked change in attitude or behavior, including behaving recklessly.
• Discarding or giving away belongings.
• Abusing drugs or alcohol

Most suicide attempts are in fact due to some extreme distress, and not simply as a means to get attention. A person who appears suicidal should be receiving some mental health treatment. For more information on suicide and prevention, check out the National Institute of Mental Health’s website for ways you might potentially help someone in need. Additionally, the Network for Good lists many other ways in which you can actively participate in supporting suicide prevention in your community.

If you are suicidal, the National Hopeline Network offers counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-SUICIDE.