Suicide

The truth is...

People in crisis often try to tell others—verbally or nonverbally—giving hints and warning signs. Suicide should always be taken seriously. Don't assume the person just wants attention. Talking with someone about their suicidal thoughts will not give them ideas or cause them to carry it out. Most people considering suicide mainly want to stop the pain they are in. Most suicides are preventable, though some are not.

risk factors for suicide

Previous suicide attempts Mental Disorders, particularly depression, anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and certain personality disorders Alcohol or other substance use disorders Family history of mental disorder or substance use disorder History of trauma, abuse or sexual assault Family history of suicide or exposure to others that have died by suicide Family violence Chronic physical illness, including chronic pain Firearms in the home or access to other lethal means Lack of social support or social isolation Major life adjustment Incarceration Perfectionism

VULNERABILITY

Primary family member who has completed suicide Psychiatric disorder Previous attempt by the patient Loss (e.g., death of significant other, divorce, job loss) Unrelenting physical illness (Boyd 229) Boyd, Mary A. Lippincott CoursePoint for Boyd: Essentials of Psychiatric Nursing. CoursePoint, 4/26/16. VitalBook file.

Responding to Denial man discussing concerns If the person denies suicidal thoughts and you still have concerns about their safety, let them know:

Say: You say you haven't thought about killing yourself, but I'm still concerned about you. After expressing your continued concern, you have the following options for dealing with the denial: Reassure the person that help is available and that you will help them get it. Encourage the person to identify their own resources and help them get connected. Consider calling parents or involving significant others, consulting with a mental health professional, or contacting other appropriate resources. Take the person directly to the appropriate source of help. Make sure the person is not left alone until the immediate crisis has passed.

Responding to Those at Risk woman comforting friendHere are some tips for responding to people at risk:

Stay calm. Trust your instincts that the person may be in trouble. Talk about your concerns directly with them. Are you thinking about ending your life? Validate their feelings and let them know there is help. I'm hearing that this feels hopeless to you, but I know of a place where you can get help. Get professional help, even if the person resists. Be honest if you plan to call someone for the suicidal person. Make the call in their presence if possible. Responsibilities and limitations: It is better to overreact than to fail to take action. You will do everything you can to get them help right now, but ultimately the decision to live is theirs. You won't have all of the answers — you don't have to solve their problems, you just have to get them help

Why might suicide be the second leading cause of death in college students?

College Students face unique pressures: woman moving into college Leaving home for college is a major life transition. Family and friends, a student's primary support system, are often far away. High academic standards of parents, professors, and peers can add additional stress. Economic pressure to finish a degree early to enter the job market. Graduate Students face additional pressures: Financial burden of paying for more education. Balancing family, home ownership, and other responsibilities with school. Concerns about taking time away from a career to get an advanced degree. Uncertainty about future job prospects; particularly among those on a research or academic track. Non-Traditional Students face unique pressures: Entering higher education for the first time or returning after discontinuing education. Balancing education with family, home ownership, job/career duties, and more. Potential barriers including cost of education, transportation issues, number of course requirements, etc. Lack of services such as academic and financial advising that accommodate the schedules of non-traditional students.

The risk of suicide can be lowered by certain protective factors. They include:

Having a support system (family, friends, and school) Spiritual Beliefs or participation in a religious community Good self-care and positive thinking Communication, planning, and problem-solving skills An ability to manage strong emotions Access to mental health care and willingness to accept help A school environment that encourages help seeking and promotes health Other environmental protections, such as reducing access to firearms and other lethal weapons.

suicide

Suicide is a global problem, a serious public health issue for all regions of the world, and the second leading cause of death worldwide among 15-29 year-olds.4 Nearly 50% of U.S. military veteran college students reported considering suicide, and 20% reported currently having suicidal thoughts and a plan.5 An estimated 22 veterans die by suicide every day.6 People who have experienced rape or sexual assault are 13 times more likely to attempt suicide than non-victims.7 Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning students are 3-4 times more likely to attempt suicide when compared to non-LGBTQ+ students.8 Young adult American Indians and Alaskan Natives have higher rates of suicide deaths than young adults of any other ethnicity.1 Asian-American students were more likely to have suicidal thoughts when compared with non-Asian-Americans.9 Inside the African-American community, those ages 18-24 are most likely to think about and to attempt suicide. 10 Latino/a students are less likely to die by suicide, but those who were born in the U.S. report high levels of depression, suicidal thoughts, and attempts.11 Overall, the completion rate for suicide is higher in men, especially European American/White men. This is because this group chooses more lethal means.12

signs of depression

Thoughts Trouble concentrating Slowed thinking or indecisiveness Pessimism Rigid thinking Perception of being a burden to family and friends Emotions Unusual interest in how others are feeling Hopelessness Helplessness Excessive sadness or crying Loneliness or feelings of isolation Persistent low mood Anxiety Behaviors Pulling away from friends, family, social groups Loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities Trouble sleeping Changes in weight or appetite Changes in attention to appearance Decrease in sexual drive Fatigue or loss of energy

RISKS FOR SUICIDE

White or Native American man Older man Adolescent non-Hispanic white or Native American male Gay, lesbian, or bisexual orientation Access to firearms Middle-aged woman (Boyd 229) Boyd, Mary A. Lippincott CoursePoint for Boyd: Essentials of Psychiatric Nursing. CoursePoint, 4/26/16. VitalBook file.

Did you also know that...

woman seeking counseling Suicide can happen any time, but it is more frequent in the spring and early summer months. Recent trends indicate an increase in suicidal ideation and hospitalizations in the fall months as well. Suicides are also most frequent in the mid to late morning or afternoon, not late at night or in the predawn hours as is commonly thought. Socioeconomic status is not a major factor in suicide risk.