Suicide is a Silent Killer of our loved ones. There are many unanswered questions for those left behind. The pain and anguish is very real. Together we can look for the warning signs listed below to help PREVENT our loved ones from Murdering themselves.
Suicide
Prevention
Basics
Suicide is a major public health problem. In 2002
31,655 people died by suicide in the United States.
Suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. In the U.S., more people die by suicide each year than die because of HIV or homicide.
11 out of every 100,000 Americans died by suicide.
There are gender, ethnic, and age differences in suicide
Males are four times as likely to die by suicide than as females - although females attempt suicide three times as often as males.
White Americans are more likely to die by suicide than Americans of other racial backgrounds.
Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among Americans between the ages of 15-24 and the second leading cause of death among those between the ages of 25-34.
Suicide rates increase with age. Elderly people who die by suicide are often divorced or widowed and suffering from a physical illness.
There is a strong association between suicide and mental illness.
Ninety percent of suicides that take place in the United States are associated with mental illness, including disorders involving the abuse of alcohol and other drugs.
Fifty percent of those who die by suicide were afflicted with major depression, and the suicide rate of people with major depression is eight times that of the general population .
Suicide is a preventable public health problem.
Mental Health Association of Reading and Berks County
122 W. Lancaster Avenue- Suite 207
Shillington, PA 19607
A support group for anyone who has lost someone to suicide.
Meets every other Tuesday from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Please call the office to confirm date and time of group 610-775-3000
Survivors of Suicide (Reading)
Pennsylvania Suicide Support Groups
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
WARNING SIGNS & RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE
Risk Factors
Diagnosis of Depression
Previous suicide attempt
Family history of suicide
Loss of job, home, money
Death or terminal illness of a loved one
Divorce or loss of major, significant relationship
Loss of health, either real or imagined
Someone close to the person has completed suicide
Recent disappointment or rejection
Being expelled from school/fired from job
Sudden loss of freedom/fear of punishment
Victim of assault or bullying
Warning Signs
Talking about suicide
Statements such as, "Soon you won't have to worry about me," "I just want to go to sleep and never wake up," "I just want out."
Sense of worthlessness, hopelessness, or helplessness
Suddenly happier and calmer
Giving away prized possessions
Getting affairs in order, making arrangements
Visiting or calling people one cares about
Preoccupation with death
Loss of interest in things one cares about
If you, a friend or loved one is depressed, seek professional help. There is also a test you can take on the Internet, which can help you to determine whether you or someone you know needs help. The test isn't a substitute for a physician's diagnosis, but it is a pretty good indicator of whether or not it's time to go to the doctor to be examined. Visit depression-screening.org.
SUICIDE FACTS & FIGURES ARE ASTONISHING!
The pain & suffering that is unbearable for some people to cope with leads them to take horrific actions against themselves.
