Suicide

 

People who commit or attempt suicide see only two choices available

to them: to continue living with unbearable pain or to stop living altogether. Adolescents seem to be extremely vulnerable to suicide at the beginnings and endings of school terms, and any time of marked change or high stress.

 

Risk Factors

• previous attempt at suicide
• use of drugs and/or alcohol
• depression, often concealed and/or mood disorders
• excessive anxiety about getting things "just right"
• psychosis
• neuroendocrine vulnerability
• family history, validating suicide as a solution to emotional pain
• perfectionism
• over-achievement

Warning Signs

• direct and indirect verbal statements about the harshness or hopelessness of life, death, no longer being "around"
• intense mood changes and aggressive outbursts
• talk about suicide
• an unsuccessful attempt at suicide
• preoccupation with death and violence
• making final arrangements; giving away prized possessions; "setting affairs in order"
• changes in attitude, behavior, mood
• disregard for or changes in personal appearance
• social isolation
• inability to concentrate
• loss of interest or pleasure in any usual activities
• consistent sadness; controlled, subdued mood
• lack of affect
• hoarding of pills, knives, rope, etc.
• sudden activity
• drop in grades
• being accident prone
• alcohol and/or drug abuse
• sexual promiscuity
• sudden termination of important relationships
• high stress or major change
• family strife
• recent losses
• depression
• sleep disturbances
• changes in eating habits
• feelings of hopelessness, low selfesteem, despair
• excessive fatigue or lack of energy
• abrupt behavior changes
• feelings of isolation
• ability to describe a suicide plan
• severe pessimism
• projected losses
• statements such as, "If I were to commit suicide, I know how I would do it."

How to Help

• be available and willing to listen
• show interest and support
• recognize warning signs
• talk openly about the problem
• take threats seriously
• ask: "Are you thinking about suicide?" or "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?"
• let the person know you will help
• empathize without judgment
• persuade and assist person in getting help
• refer to counselor or specialist
• help the person to identify other choices
• remind the person that suicide cannot be reversed, and there positive solutions
• consult one of the sources of help listed below
• stay with the person until help is obtained
• use QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer)

Sources of Help

• member of clergy
• private physician/health care provider
• counselor/family counselor
• school counselor
• social service agency

Emergency Services ................................................ 911

First Call for Help, a 24-Hour Crisis Hotline ...................(509)- 838-4428

TDD ................................................................. (509)-624-0004

Spokane Mental Health ............................................ (509)-838-4651

Greentree Behavioral Health ...................................... (509)-458-7471

Youth Help Solutions .............................................. (509)-455-5226

site hosted by NetRiver