This is an extremely difficult subject for me to write on as it hits close to home. Within the past year, two individuals whom I have had the privilege of knowing took their lives. I couldn't understand why so I took it upon myself to investigate and comprehend suicide and take a step to create suicide awareness.
Here are some pretty shocking facts about suicide, you probably did not know.
Fact: Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among Americans.
Fact: More than 40,000 people died by suicide in 2012.
Fact: More than 1 million people reported making a suicide attempt in the past year.
Fact: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that suicide is the number 2 cause of death in the ages of 10-34, from the years of 2005-2014.
Suicidal ideation, thinking about, considering, or planning suicide, can come about from various aspects. These aspects make it more likely that an individual will consider, attempt, or die by suicide.
According to Suicide Prevention Lifeline, some leading aspects are:
- Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and certain personality disorders
- Alcohol and other substance use disorders
- Hopelessness
- Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
- History of trauma or abuse
- Major physical illnesses
- Previous suicide attempt, Family history of suicide
- Job or financial loss
- Loss of relationship
- Lack of social support and sense of isolation
- Stigma associated with asking for help
- Lack of health care, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
- Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)
Some warning signs which may lead to suicide include:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs, seek help as soon as possible by calling the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Suicide is such a hard topic for discussion in our society yet more than 2 million adults have admitted to having suicidal thoughts in the past year. That is such a significant number, and of those 2 million adults, most whom engage in suicidal behavior never seek mental health services. The persona is that if you are depressed, you must still act as if everything is okay, as if you are okay. It is okay to not be okay. You’re only human and everything in life will not always be easy. Don’t give up. Don’t let go. Don’t forget that you can prevail.
I want to let everyone know that suicide IS preventable. “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” And if you ever, in a million years plus infinity think otherwise, there is someone that thinks otherwise. Your family, your friends, peers, co-workers. You may not even know it! Your presence is significant to someone, and there are people willing to listen, talk with and be there for you to remind you of your purpose. You have a purpose. You are special. You are important.
Here's my promise to you: I will always {Listen}/ {Talk it out}/ {Be a trusted friend}. Talk to me if you're in crisis. The Lifeline is there for you and so am I! Friends and strangers alike! If you need me, I’ll listen. No questions asked. Just don’t give up on me. The end is not near.
