The word "suicide" conjures images of depression, sorrow, hopelessness, and perhaps even facination. Indeed, there may be a certain social fascination with suicide: A celebrity's suicide is 14 times more likely to inspire a "copycat" suicide than is an ordinary person who suicides.
Our species has survived, in good part, because of our innate survival instinct - the will to live. Perhaps fascination with suicide comes from the fact that someone has gone against that strong, deeply ingrained instinct.
But let's turn now to what we do know about suicide.
According to a 2001 NIMH (National Institute for Mental Health) report, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. More men than women suicide, in a 4:1 ratio, though women make more suicide attempts than men (3:1 ratio). More than 90% of people who suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder - most commonly depression, substance abuse, and bipolar disorder ("manic depression").
Suicide rates tend to be significantly higher in two age groups - 15 to 24, and the elderly. People who have incurable, degenerative, or painful physical illnesses - such as AIDS, certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, etc. - are at a higher than average risk for suicide.
People who have attempted suicide in the past, or who have a friend or family member who has suicided, are at risk. So are those who have the means available, such as guns or pills.
Other factors which may contribute to a higher risk for suicide in adults are losing a job, or losing a spouse through divorce or death.
For teens and young adults, other risk factors may include feeling ostracized by peers, abuse in the home, a history of sexual abuse, or feeling that s/he may be bisexual or homosexual.
If someone you know talks about suicide, you must take it seriously. Don't be afraid to ask them, "What's wrong?" - and to listen without judgment.
Remove all guns from the house, as well as all medications - including nonprescription medicines. You may have to remove all sharp knives or razor blades as well.
A person who feels suicidal may feel that s/he cannot be helped,so you may have to take the initiative to in setting up an appointment with a mental health professional in your area. Have the person make a written contract with you to not harm herself or himself until s/he gets help. In addition, do not leave the person alone. If you can't stay with her/him, ask one of their friends or family members, or a member of the clergy to stay.
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