Preventing Suicide

Preventing Suicide

We can all make a difference.

Atchison County Suicide Prevention Task ForceFebruary 7, 2014

Objectives

• Learn why some people think about suicide

• Know the warning signs• Experience “asking the question”• Learn ways to talk with someone who

is feeling suicidal• Learn resources to help you or others

in times of need

Kansas Youth Suicide Prevention: Dedicated to building a statewide

network of safety and hope

Suicide Numbers

2012 Kansas Annual Summary of Vital Statistics

3rd leading cause of death of 5-14 year old Kansans in 2012, 5 children2nd leading cause of death of 15-24 year old Kansans in 2012, 79 teens & young adults2nd leading cause of dealth of 25-44 year old Kansans in 2012, 167 adults of these ages5th leading cause of death of 45-64 year old Kansans in 2012, 180 adults of these ages

Suicide Rates• 505 deaths by suicide in Kansas in 2012

• 384 deaths by suicide in Kansas in 2011 – 401 in 2010, – rate of 14.1 per 100,000

• 38,364 deaths by suicide in US in 2010 – US rate of 12.4 in 2010 – The national suicide rate is increasing. (10.7 2000, 12.4 2010)– Suicide now kills more people than either homicides or motor vehicle

accidents. One person dies by suicide every 13.7 minutes.

For each suicide death, there are 25 suicide attempts.

– SAMHSA DOH Report

Did you know…?

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers.

For each suicide death among young people, there may be as many as 100–200 suicide attempts.

Approximately 1 out of every 15 high school students attempts suicide each year. (CDC, 2010)

Suicide ideation and attempts are 3 to 5 times higher among victims and perpetrators of bullying than among uninvolved youths. (Bullying and Suicide: A Public Health Approach, 2013)

Means Matter

Means Matter

Means Matter

Gender, Attempts and Leathality

• Suicide among males is four times higher than among females and represents 79% of all U.S. suicides.

• Firearms are the most commonly used method of suicide among males (56%)

• Females are more likely than males to have had suicidal thoughts.

• Poisoning is the most common method of suicide for females (37.4%).

This is Important!

•Suicide is not about death; it’s about ending pain.

FactSuicidal people are not crazy - more typically they suffer from a great deal of emotional pain, caused in part by depression.

This is Important!

• Often people who are suicidal are in a state of crisis, and when the crisis passes, so too does the suicidal behavior.

• Nine out of ten people who attempt suicide and survive will not go on to die by suicide at a later date.

Impulsivity- Although stressful events can trigger suicidal behavior, such events are not usually sufficient among themselves to cause suicide.- While some suicides are very planned out, most appear to occur during a very acute crisis and include a impulsive component – this is usually coupled with other chronic stressors (substance abuse, disability, or depression).- This acute period of heightened risk can be as short as a few minutes, usually less than an hour long.

Hawton K. Restricting access to methods of suicide. Crisis. 2007;28 (S1):4-9.

• One study asked this question of attempt survivors: “How much time passed between the time you decided to complete suicide and when you actually attempted suicide?”

ImpulsivityOne in four deliberated for less than 5 minutes! And nine out of ten deliberated less than a day.24% said less than five minutes24% said 5-19 minutes23% said 20 minutes to 1 hour16% said 2-8 hours13% said 1 or more daysSimon, T.R., Swann, A.C., Powell, K.E., Potter, L.B., Kresnow, M., and O’Carroll, P.W. Characteristics of Impulsive Suicide Attempts and Attempters. SLTB. 2001; 32(supp):49-59.

This is Important!

• People who are thinking about killing themselves often say or do something to alert others before they do it, and if you know the signs and clues you may be able to help prevent suicide.

Take note when you see these Changes in Behavior –

appetite, sleep, concentration, hygiene

increasing use of alcohol or drugs or risky behaviors

Extreme mood swings, increasingly anxious or agitated

Withdrawal, isolation

*The risk of suicide is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

Experiences of loss – relationship, self esteem, sense of belonging

Negative Thoughts – This will never end, I’m trapped, it’s hopeless

Long lasting painful feelings – shame, despair, anger, sadness, rejection

Warning Signs of Suicide

Talks or writes about suicide Has a plan Has previous attempts Has access to firearms Feels like a burden to others Lacks a sense of belonging Has been exposed to suicide

Verbal Clues• “I hate my life”

• “I can’t take it anymore”

• “Life is not worth it”

Verbal Clues• “I wish I were dead”

• “I’m just a burden to everyone”

• “My family would be better off without me”

• “Nobody needs me”

• “If (such and such) happens, I’ll kill myself”

So, what can you do?

Step 1:If some one you know is behaving in a way that concerns you, LISTEN & STATE your CONCERN.

Listen, REALLY Listen

REALLY listen and state your concern. Threats about suicide must be taken seriously Be non-judgmental Be reassuring and positive Offer empathy, “I care and will help” Offer hope that alternatives are available

Step 2: Ask the question

“Are you thinking about suicide?”

• If you suspect that the person is suicidal, ask about it DIRECTLY.

• You will not be putting the notion into their head; you will be making a safe space for them to address it if they are.

• Do not leave the person alone.• Always recommend eliminating access to firearms, large

amounts of medications, and other dangers from home environment.

• Never keep a secret about suicide.

Step 3: GET HELP

Get, or call help immediately - from someone trained in suicide prevention through the hotline numbers or other health care professionals

At anytime, call the Kansas center for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) for support for the suicidal person and for yourself.

Please Remember Threats about suicide must be taken seriously!

You will not cause someone to kill himself / herself by asking him/her about suicide.

If you suspect that the person is suicidal, ask about it DIRECTLY.

NEVER keep a secret about suicide.

Know that suicide is never someone else’s fault.

You can make a difference!

If you are interested in more information about suicide prevention in youth, please contact:

Jane Faubion [email protected] -or-

Chris Maxwell [email protected]

785.840.8491

Premier Suicide Prevention Websiteswww.ActionAllianceForSuicidePrevention.org

www.AFSP.org

www.SPRC.org

www.SuicidePreventionLifeline.org

www.Suicidology.org 

www.HeadquartersCounselingCenter.org

www.KansasSuicidePrevention.org

WE CAN ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE