With the recent September 11th anniversary and the attempted suicide of Hollywood actor Owen Wilson, once again the issue of suicide has been brought to our attention. Here are some general clues as to why someone may want to take their own life.
Assessing Suicidal Symptoms: (SAD PERSONS scale):
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Sex
While females are more likely to kill themselves than males, males are three times more likely to succeed in their attempts.
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Age
The risks are greater for people who are aged 15 to 24 or younger, or men aged 75 or older.
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Depression
Here are some symptoms of depression:
http://www.helpguide.org -
Previous attempts
those who have tried before are more likely to succeed than those who are attempting the first time.
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Ethanol and other drug abuse
substance abuse is involved in one-third or more adolescent suicides.
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Rational thinking loss
people who suffer from mental or emotional disorders are more likely to kill themselves.
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Social supports lacking
Healthy relationships can give you support, strength and positivity in your life.
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Organized plan
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No spouse
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Sickness
Recommendations:
What to do if you know someone who has suicidal thoughts or you yourself may have symptoms, call 911.
There will be professionals trained to help.
You can also call this toll-free number, available 24 hours a day, every day: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a service available to anyone. You may call for yourself or for someone you care about. All calls are confidential.
Here are some resources surrounding this issue:
The http://family.samhsa.gov website offers a description of suicide warning signs in young people, as well as more resources.
http://www.suicide.org is a suicide prevention program that offers articles, as well as phone numbers to call.
http://www.save.org also has more information and resources regarding suicide awareness.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (http://www.afsp.org) conducts scientific research and has many educational resources.
The http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org has a hotline to call, as well ways to get involved in spreading the world for suicide prevention.
The Psych Central article outlines common signs of someone who may be suicidal.
This blog only skims the surface of this deep issue, but I believe that from sharing of information can we begin to become more aware of the issues abroad.
Source:
W. M. Patterson, H.H. Dohn, J. Bird, and G.A. Patterson, “Evaluation of Suicidal Patients: The SAD PERSONS scale,” Psychosomatics 24(4): 343-349.
a great and timely article/post. we each need to take a close look at those around us for the symptoms and conditions that you have listed. help starts with us.
There is some very valuable information in here that alot of people/services could use. You also have included a very accurate list of resources. My aunt unfortunately did take her life many years ago and you touch on many points that led to that I believe. Very quality article!
[...] It is estimated that we are all in a position to help one of over 800,000 people who try to commit suicide every [...]
[...] initially writing a blog last September on why people commit suicide, I wanted to explore this difficult issue once [...]
Age and sex are not major factors for suicide. Talking about the reason of suicide some people think philosophically that the one who understands the life more than what his/her fellows understand there has been much more probality to have a suicide. Those without knowing their life in a proper manner commit suicide.
[...] are many reasons why people die by suicide including history of depression, drugs, previous attempts, [...]
I’d have to agree on R. Most people who think about suicide will probably later think they should have never thought of it as an option. Life is so much better.
Suicide Prevention in Your Life
Women don’t kill themselves. The sad part is that male suicide is off the scale. In some places like Latvia its a epidemic. But as always nobody cares. In the usa nobody cares, its just men, right? With all of the talk about ‘Women’ who truly are supported in this society. men suffer, it is the marginalization and degradation, vilification of men, boys and fathers that helps to create the suicide problem in the first place. The social pressures, the exploitation of men with ads, sex, porn and other vice. The feminist degradation of men. The economic disenfranchising of males. The high levels of violent crime of which men are the overwhelming majority of victims. The high levels of male loneliness. The insane levels of male drug use. The drugging of young school boys in the public school system. The demonfication of masculinity. The low male college graduation levels and enrollment. Yet, again, the lack of male presence is something to be celebrated. All of these things are a testimate of how sick western society is and how terrible the future is going to be for this nation and those who follow in its path. The bottom line is that men are not appreciated. The USA and other like lands are anti-male and it is clear. Sadly the ‘wonderful’ situation for women may be short lived. As WAR is often the result of a world of angry and heartbroken men.
Yet, we are told by society that ‘Women’ need support.
OK, whatever.
The numbers don’t lie.
But nobody cares.
As a woman my heart goes out to any man who feels women have stolen his thunder. As an unsupported and isolated woman I sympathise with the feeling that nobody cares. I have. Cared in the past for men who didnt deserve it. Because they took my kindness for weakness. Shame. Shame on the many men who make it hard for others to find consideration and love. Shame on the men who feel that power over women is the answer to their problems. And shame on the women who take their partners by the short and curlies, have a few kids then leave and claim they are single parents. You had the kids together; you had your man in the prime of your life then you walk away and leave him bitter, out of pocket and aged.
Isn’t it about time we stopped blaming gender for our human condition and started treating the problems we cause each other with understanding and tact and a bit of recipricosity ????
Before it really is too late ………………………………………….