In light of a recent high-profile news story, it is important to spread awareness around suicides and suicide prevention. According to the CDC, suicide is at a 30-year high. It is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States; 54% of suicide deaths are not related to mental health issues.
Suicide is defined as a person who directs violence at themselves.
Risk factors are:
- previous suicide attempts
- family history of suicide
- depression or other mental health issues
- problems with alcohol and other drugs
- being between that ages of 15-24 or over age 60
- having a medical illness
Warning signs are:
- thinking about harming/killing one’s self
- having a plan to harm or kill one’s self
- feeling empty or hopeless
- feeling unbearable pain from either a medical or mental health issue
- increased use of alcohol or other drugs
- being withdrawn
If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, get help right as soon as possible. Call the suicide prevention helpline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), Samaritans: 1-877-HOPE (4673) or call your health care provider or get to an emergency department. Continue to follow new health or visit newhealthcenter.org for more health and wellness tips and information.
