Forty years ago, I thought suicide mostly happened to well-to-do, white men. However, the truth is suicide happens within all races, genders, and ages. It is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.
The statistics get more disturbing. One online news source reports: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among teenagers. It is the fourth leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 14.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Today is the perfect time to commit to the prevention of the suicides so prevalent among us. You can start by knowing the warning signs of suicide from the National Institute of Mental Health listed below.
But first, will you take a few minutes to listen to these 4 suicide survivors?
WARNING SIGNS OF 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 for lethal methods 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
LIFE IS A BEAUTIFUL GIFT. YOU SHOULD SAVE IT.
There may be other signs not listed above. If these warning signs apply to you, or someone you know, please get help immediately. Getting help as soon as possible is especially important if the behavior is new or has recently increased.
Here are some national resources to contact if you or someone you know are contemplating suicide. Even if you’re not certain about what you are feeling (or seeing in someone else), contact them anyway.
Click on any of the names below to be directed to the website.
- Call 911 first for immediate help.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line, Text 7417
- Veterans Crisis Line, at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, Text 838255
- The Trevor Project for LBGQT youth, at 1-866-488-7386
For comments, questions, or more information about suicide, click here.