5.7 Suicide

Which of the following is a way to prevent a suicide?

Ask the person if they are thinking about suicide.

Most young people who commit suicide have made a clear decision that death is their best option.

False

People who talk about suicide don't do it; suicide happens without warning.

False

Which one of the following is a suicide fact?

Suicide occurs in all economic, racial and cultural sections of our society.

Improvement in a person's demeanor who has considered suicide following a serious personal crisis or serious depression does not mean that the risk of suicide is over.

True

It may be helpful to ask a friend who appears overly depressed, withdrawn, or grief-stricken whether he/she has ever considered suicide as a solution to his/her problems.

True

Which of the following is NOT a suicide risk factor? - accepting your imperfections and mistakes in life - having a mental illness - feeling isolated - witnessing another's suicide or violence

accepting your imperfections and mistakes in life

Which of the following is NOT a suicide risk factor? - being a violent, impulsive person - asking for help whenever you need it - having access to a lethal weapon, (gun, car, drugs, etc) - expecting perfection from yourself

asking for help whenever you need it

According to the CDC, suicide is the number one cause of death for persons ages 15-24.

false

Crisis and unusual behavior that happen before suicide are never recognizable or treatable.

false

Once people decide to die by suicide, there is nothing you can do to stop them.

false

Which of the following is NOT a suicide risk factor? - having a family history of suicide or violence - having a personal history of suicide attempts or violence - having a group of friends and family for personal support - abusing drugs or alcohol

having a group of friends and family for personal support

Which of the following are NOT teen warning signs of suicide? - self-injury, extremes in behavior - writing about suicide and death - sudden change in appearance, lack of interest in appearance - joining a new activity to learn a new skill or for self-improvement

joining a new activity to learn a new skill or for self-improvement

Which of the following are NOT teen warnings signs of suicide? - disturbed sleep patterns, more or less sleep - keeping mementos of successes and achievements, ribbons, certificate, trophies - increase in minor illnesses, absent from school and activities - sudden weight gain or loss, or loss of appetite

keeping mementos of successes and achievements, ribbons, certificate, trophies

To help prevent suicide you can:

listen to them, use active listening skills so they feel understood.

Once a person feels suicidal, he/she will remain suicidal for the rest of his/her life .

myth

People who commit suicide do not warn others.

myth

Suicidal people clearly want to die.

myth

Boys, because they use more violent methods, commit suicide more often than girls. However, girls attempt suicide more frequently than boys.

reality

Feeling lonely, discouraged, or depressed once in a while is something most of us experience. However, feeling down and hopeless for long periods of time may mean the person needs to seek help.

reality

Most teen suicides might have been prevented if those teens had developed life management skills including coping skills.

reality

Suicide is a permanent reaction to a temporary problem. A person who has thoughts of suicide can be helped by someone who has the confidence to step in, take time and help.

reality

Warning signs of suicide can be verbal. Some examples may include: "I want to die," "I wish I were dead," "They will be sorry when I am gone," or "I can not take it anymore."

reality

When talking with someone who is thinking about suicide, listen intelligently. Encourage a suicidal person to talk to you. Do not give false reassurances that everything will be okay. Be an "active listener."

reality

1-800-273-TALK is a suicide prevention hotline.

true

An overwhelming problem, real or imagined, can be the catalyst to prompt someone to think about suicide.

true

Indirect statements like "I want to go to sleep and never wake up" or "They will be sorry when I am gone" or "I will not have to take this pain much longer" or "Soon the pain will end" are verbal cues that a person is considering suicide.

true

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens aged 15-24.

true

Teens who attempt suicide often feel loss or rejection. These teens may feel suicide is a way to get even with those who have rejected them.

true

Trust your judgment and do not be misled by ignoring the suicide signals. If you believe someone is in danger of committing suicide, act on that belief.

true

When a suicidal crisis is suspected, stay calm, stay with the suicidal person and ask another person to get help as quickly as possible.

true