The Pain

"Suicide doesn't take away the pain. It gives it to someone else"  (Anonymous)

Suicide is the act of taking one's own life voluntarily and intentionally. It should be preventable so it never has to happen to anyone (or their loved ones) again. There are signs to recognize that someone is planning to kill themself. They include: becomes withdrawn, focusing on death, showing despair, Making plans to die, demonstrating mood or sleep changes, drinking alcohol or taking unprescribed  drugs, or acts recklessly. 

Take all suicide warning signs seriously. Your involvement and support may help save a life. Don’t be afraid to ask whether your loved one is thinking of suicide, is depressed, or has problems. A frank conversation won’t make the person act on their feelings. In fact, talk can help ease suicidal thoughts. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) is open 24/7 with trained counselor’s .Please use this  phone number if you need it.

Did you know?

1.     16% of high school students reported seriously considering suicide.

2.     2/3 of people who complete suicide are depressed at the time of their deaths. Depression that is untreated, undiagnosed, or ineffectively treated is the number one cause of suicide.

3.      Among teenagers and adults under 35, suicide ranks behind only accidents as the top cause of death.

4.      Every year, some 42,000 Americans die by suicide

5.     Females are more likely than males to have suicidal thoughts.

6.     Males take their own lives at nearly four times the rate of females, and represent 77.9% of all suicides.

7.     More than a million people attempt suicide with 9 million people thinking about it.

8.     Peer support plays an important role in the treatment of mental and substance use disorders and holds a potential for helping those at risk for suicide.

9.     People who have a dependence on alcohol or drugs in addition to being depressed are at greater risk for suicide.

10. Suicide is preventable. Most suicidal people desperately want to live; they are just unable to see alternatives to their problems.

11.    Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15-34 year-olds in the U.S.

12. Surviving family members not only suffer the loss of a loved one to suicide, but are also themselves at higher risk of suicide and emotional problems.

13. Talking about suicide does not cause someone to become suicidal. It actually helps to talk about suicide, and the feelings and thoughts behind it.

14.  Within a typical high school classroom of 20 students, it is likely that three students have made a suicide attempt in the past year.

 “Having a rough day? Place your hand over your heart. Feel that? It’s called purpose. You’re alive for a reason. Don’t give up.” (Joyce Meyer)[i]

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[i] Sources used

·                “Suicide- 10 Facts You Need to Know” by the HopeLine

·        “Suicide Warning Signs: What to Watch for and Do” Reviewed by Neha Pathak

·        “Suicide” by Merriam Webster

This post is in memory of two well-known celebrities that committed suicide:  designer Kate Spade on June 5, 2018, and  chef Anthony Bourdain on June 8, 2018.