Suicidal people have
fallen out of love with life, but the overwhelming majority are not yet ready to
embrace death. They are generally seeking relief from an intolerable situation
and are simply unable to cope with the stress by themselves. Suicide is usually
the result of a long-term, gradual process wearing-away the ability to cope with
stress, loss and disappointment. Most people who actually take their own lives
are suffering from a treatable brain disorder, with serious depression being the
most common illness.
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Most people who
commit suicide have given some clue or warning of their intent; thus, suicidal
threats and attempts should always be treated seriously.
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Depression and the
risk for suicide may have biological (altered levels of some brain chemicals)
as well as psychological causes. A family history of suicide is a significant
risk factor.
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Suicidal people are
often ambivalent about dying and frequently will call for help immediately
following an attempted suicide.
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Some suicidal
people appear to be suddenly happy when they have decided to “resolve” all of
their problems at the same time.
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Alcohol or drug
abuse play a major role in suicide.
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Suicide rates among
youth have tripled in the last 30 years.
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If the person
attempting suicide receives the proper assistance, support and or treatment,
he/she will probably never be suicidal again. Approximately 10 percent will
subsequently complete the act.
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Asking someone
directly about suicidal intent lowers anxiety and acts as a deterrent to
suicidal behavior by encouraging the ventilation of pent-up emotions.
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About 75 percent of
suicidal people will visit a physician within three months prior to the
suicide attempt.
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Suicide rates rise
with age and reach their peak among older white males.
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The greatest danger
of suicide exists during the first three months of recovery from a deep
depression.
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Most suicidal
people plan their self-destruction in advance and then present clues
indicating that they have become suicidal.
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The groups
considered at risk are: elderly white males, American Indians, adolescents,
college students, alcoholics, drug addicts and homosexuals.
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The suicide rate
for college students is 50 percent higher than for Americans in general of a
comparable age.
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Of those who die by
their own hand, men outnumber women three to one.
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Women make gestures
or attempts on their lives three times as often as men.
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Most, if not all,
suicides are preceded by warnings and in a setting that could prevent the act.
