Suicide Prevention

The Facts

Over the last 10 years, suicide has become the third leading cause of death in young people aged 15-24 and it is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. Nearly 80% of people who consider suicide mention it to a friend or to someone else. This is no accident. People who are suicidal are often quite ambivalent about dying and seek some reason to continue living. This reason may be as "small" as being able to speak honestly with someone about their feelings. Speaking openly with a suicidal person communicates interest and caring. Men are four times more successful than women in committing suicide but women attempt suicide four times as often. Men tend to choose more violent means and women choose less violent means that increase the opportunity for discovery before death. People who chronically abuse alcohol are six times more likely to try suicide than non-abusers. At the least, six other people are severely affected by each suicide. By the end of the senior year of high school, 30% of females and 18% of males have seriously considered suicide.

Generally, when someone is considering suicide they have become hopeless and feel helpless to change their situation which they now find to be unbearably painful. They fail to see options or means of change and they have often lost interest in activities they once found exciting. They may have begun to exhibit over-indulgence in alcohol or they may evidence signs of depression including weight loss or gain, increased or decreased sleep, and frequent tearfulness or crying. Their mood might brighten and appear even cheerful as a result of a decision to end their pain. They may also exhibit sudden or surprising impulsive actions that demonstrate little forethought about outcome.

The Myths

• Asking, "Do you feel like killing yourself?" or talking openly about suicide may cause the person to act.
• Once a person has indicated that they are suicidal, nothing can be done to stop them.
• People who talk about suicide don't commit suicide.
• When someone stops talking about suicide, they are safe.
• "He is just too drunk or wasted to kill himself."
• Friends do not interfere with friends or betray confidences about suicidal thinking.
• Only mentally ill people commit suicide.

Identifying the Warning Signs

Some of the following verbal and non-verbal signs may be present in someone who is suicidal. This list is not exhaustive and it is important for you to pay attention to your own feelings and understanding of the person you are concerned about. As the "causes" of suicide are unique to individuals, so also are the signs that someone might consider suicide.

Possible precipitating events

Suicide can stem from multiple sources and have no clear precipitating events, but there may be identifiable stressors:

• Performance failure academically or socially or other loss of self-esteem
• Loss of a close relationship either through break-up or death
• Family conflict
• Legal difficulties
• Anniversary of a loss of a loved one
• Sudden rejection or sudden loss

What You Can Do

1. Call CMHS immediately for consultation with a staff member to find out what resources are available to you and how CMHS staff can assist you or someone you are with, 860-486-4705.

2. Ensure that the environment is safe and express your concern. Do not leave the person alone and do not permit easy access to weapons or means of harm e.g. open windows, guns, razors, pills, etc. while you talk about issues involving suicide. Let the person know that you are concerned about them.

3. Approach the topic directly and openly. Keep in mind that if the person is talking to you it is likely that they are ambivalent about dying. Through open and clear discussion they may see that there is some hope. Ask specifically about thoughts of suicide, if they have a plan and when they thought about doing it. Ask about what contributes to their feeling this way. Listen carefully and do not argue or demean the person's feelings. Being respected and heard is important to everyone.

4. Express hopefulness about new solutions. Often, a person who is suicidal is depressed and unable to see solutions which are positive. Offer help in accomplishing new tasks like calling Counseling and Mental Health Services for an appointment or accompanying the person to CMHS for an emergency appointment. Express concern directly about their safety and your desire (and willingness) to ensure it.

5. Seek help. While remaining with the person, contact the CA, a friend, or other resource. Let the person know that you will take responsibility for making this arrangement for help and that you will help them when assistance comes as well. Do not leave them alone.