Some facts about suicide:

• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 34.
• Suicide rates increase with age and are very high among those who are 65 years and older.
• Women report attempting suicide about three times more often than men, but men are four times more likely to die from suicide than women.

Some myths about suicide:

• Suicide is a taboo subject.
  This myth is not true. If you know a friend or family member who is talking about suicide, don't ignore it. Talking about suicide doesn't cause it to happen. Let him or her talk about his or her feelings openly. Try not to be judgemental and don't argue or debate about whether suicide is right or wrong.
• Suicide is not preventable.
  This myth is also false. Most suicidal people want to live, but are just too depressed or in too much pain to see a way out. Always take it seriously when a someone you know talks about wanting to die or commit suicide. Let him or her know that there is help available. A combination of therapy and medication is what is needed. If your friend or relative refuses to get help, then try to get him or her to a least talk to the local suicide hot line or the national suicide hot line (1-800-784-2433). If your friend or relative does not want to talk to the hot line, you may make the call yourself. The staff at the hot line will give you advice on how to help your friend.

Some warning signs of suicide:

• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
• Statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness
• Preoccupation with death
• Expressing rage or uncontrolled anger
• Increased drug or alcohol use
• Withdrawing from friends, family and society
• Making arrangements; setting one's affairs in order and or giving things away. Suddenly happier and calmer
• Looking for firearms or ways to kill him or her self
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities seemingly without thinking

Some risk factors for suicide

A risk factor is anything that increases the likelihood that a person will harm her or himself. While risk factors increase the likelihood, a risk factors are not the cause.

• Previous suicide attempt (s)
• History of mental disorders such as depression
• History of alcohol and or substance abuse
• Family history of suicide
• Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other people
• Loss (relational, social, work or financial)
• Local epidemics of suicide

Some factors that protect and buffer people from suicide

• Effective clinical care for physical, and mental problems
• Easy access to care
• Family and community support
• Skills in problem solving, managing conflict and ways of handling disputes in non violent ways
• Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support hope

If you or someone you love is at risk for suicide, get help immediately by contacting a mental health professional, or call the national suicide hot line at 1-800-SUICIDE, (1-800-784-2433).

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