"Considering Suicide"

By Jana Allemeier NCC, LMHC

Facts:     

Every year, more than 30,000 Americans commit suicide. It is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year-olds and 5,000 teens per year die from suicide. Middle-aged white men commit suicide more often than any other population group. Women try suicide more often than men, but men succeed four times more often than women. Because men tend to use more violent methods than the average woman, they have a higher successful completion rate.

When a person considers suicide, it does not necessarily mean they wish to die. Most people don't really want to die, but they may be considering it as a way to end their pain or as a solution to their problems. When a person feels hopeless or helpless to change or improve their life they may feel as though their life is worthless or feel overwhelmed with a sense of personal failure. If a suicide attempt is made while in this state of mind, it is usually a more serious attempt. One out of every 40 people that attempt suicide actually dies.

Conditions, which increase the risk of suicide, are:

  • A personal or family history of suicide attempts
  • A family history of completed suicides
  • A personal or family history of mental health illness
  • An alcohol or drug problem (substance abuse)

Warning Signs:

 Warning signs of suicide change with age; with teens it may be a preoccupation with death or a recent ending to a love relationship. With adults the signs may include alcohol or substance abuse and be the result of a divorce or loss of a job. With older adults of retirement age it may be the recent death of a spouse or loved one or perhaps a life-limiting illness that cause thoughts of suicide.

When a person talks of suicide, not wanting to be here, or wishes they had never been born, they need to be taken seriously. Even if it is said in a joking manner, especially if the person has made an unsuccessful attempt previously, it needs to be taken seriously.

 Below are factors that indicate increased risk of suicide:

       o  Previous attempts
       o  Having a plan on how and where 
       o  Feeling trapped, helpless, or hopeless
       o  Frequent thoughts about death, dying, or suicide

If any of these factors are present in your life, or the life of someone you know, talk to a professional to arrange for evaluation for risk of suicide.

 

   "Tragically, suicide is a fatal response to a treatable illness, usually depression."

      "For nothing will be impossible with God." Luke 1:37