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It may be helpful to ask a friend who appears overly depressed, withdrawn, or grief-stricken whether he/she has ever considered suicide as a solution to his/her problems.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