Several high-profile cases of suicide in the past week have led to a push for more conversation and awareness surrounding suicides. Suicide rates are at a 30-year high in the United States and is the tenth leading cause of death in the country. 54% of suicide deaths are not related to mental health issues.
A suicidal act is defined as attempted violence directed against one’s own person.
Risk factors include:
- 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 include:
- thinking about harming/killing one’s self
- having a plan to harm or kill one’s self
- feeling empty of hopeless
- feeling unbearable pain from either a medical of mental health issue
- increased use of alcohol or other drugs
- being withdrawn
If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, seek help as soon as possible.
Call the suicide prevention help line 1-800-273-TALK (8255), call your health care provider or get to an emergency department.
