Suicide Rates and Risk Factors Across Different Age Groups

1. Suicide

2. Press articles suggest a link between the winter holidays and suicides. • However---- • This claim is just a myth. In fact, suicide rates in the United States are lowest in the winter and highest in the spring

3. Suicide took the lives of 30,622 people in 2001 • Suicide rates are generally higher than the national average in the western states and lower in the eastern and mid-western states

4. In 2002, 132,353 individuals were hospitalized following suicide attempts; 116,639 were treated in emergency departments and released • In 2001, 55% of suicides were committed with a firearm

5. Groups at Risk • Males • Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for all U.S. men • Males are four times more likely to die from suicide than females • Suicide rates are highest among Whites and second highest among American Indian and Native Alaskan men • Of the 24,672 suicide deaths reported among men in 2001, 60% involved the use of a firearm

6. Females • Women report attempting suicide during their lifetime about three times as often as men

7. Youth • The overall rate of suicide among youth has declined slowly since 1992 • However, rates remain unacceptably high. Adolescents and young adults often experience stress, confusion, and depression from situations occurring in their families, schools, and communities.

8. Such feelings can overwhelm young people and lead them to consider suicide as a “solution.” • Few schools and communities have suicide prevention plans that include screening, referral, and crisis intervention programs for youth.

9. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24. In 2001, 3,971 suicides were reported in this group. • Of the total number of suicides among ages 15 to 24 in 2001, 86% were male and 14% were female. • American Indian and Alaskan Natives have the highest rate of suicide in the 15 to 24 age group. • In 2001, firearms were used in 54% of youth suicides

10. Elderly • Suicide rates increase with age and are very high among those 65 years and older. • Most elderly suicide victims are seen by their primary care provider a few weeks prior to their suicide attempt and were diagnosed with their first episode of mild to moderate depression.

11. Older adults who are suicidal are also more likely to be suffering from physical illnesses and be divorced or widowed

12. In 2001, 5,393 Americans over age 65 committed suicide. Of those, 85% were men and 15% were women. • Firearms were used in 73% of suicides committed by adults over the age of 65 in 2001.

13. Risk Factors • Anything that increases the likelihood that persons will harm themselves. • However, risk factors are not necessarily causes.

14. Risk Factors • Previous suicide attempt(s) • History of mental disorders, particularly depression • History of alcohol and substance abuse • Family history of suicide • Family history of child maltreatment • Feelings of hopelessness

15. Impulsive or aggressive tendencies • Barriers to accessing mental health treatment • Loss (relational, social, work, or financial) • Physical illness • Easy access to lethal methods

16. Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders or suicidal thoughts • Cultural and religious beliefs—for instance, the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma

17. Local epidemics of suicide • Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other people

18. Protective Factors • Protective factors buffer people from the risks associated with suicide. • Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders • Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and support for help seeking • Family and community support

19. Support from ongoing medical and mental health care relationships • Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent handling of disputes • Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation instincts

20. Percentage of suicide deaths by age group: • a) 5-19 = 7% • b) 20-34 = 27% • c) 35-49 = 31% • d) 50-64 = 16% • e) over 64 = 19%

21. Warning Signs • Verbal Cues • I’m going to commit suicide. • I don’t want to live anymore. • I want to go to sleep and never wake up. • Do you think suicide is wrong? • Behavioral Cues • Depression, moodiness, sadness, or lack of energy • Talking directly or indirectly about dying or committing suicide

22. Changes in sleeping habits (too much, too little) • Changes in eating habits (sudden weight gain, weight loss) • Discouragement about the future, self-criticism • Recent lack of concern about physical appearance, hygiene

23. Withdrawal from social contacts or communication difficulty • Giving away prized possessions • Drop in school grades or work performance

24. Acquiring the means for suicide (guns, drugs, rope) • Making final arrangements, writing a will • Taking unusual risks • Increased drug or alcohol use

25. Preoccupation with death through poetry and/or artwork • Previous suicide attempts (80% of those who kill themselves have attempted it before)

26. Situational Cues • The following events frequently lead to crisis. For some people, internal and external resources are present in sufficient amounts to cope. For others, intense feelings coupled with a lack of external resources result in serious emotional crisis.

27. End of a serious relationship • Death of a loved one • Divorce • Loss of a job

28. Financial difficulties • Moving to a new location • Isolation

29. Do’s & Don’ts • Essential Steps for Averting Suicide • If you suspect that someone you know is suicidal, remember the following: • Do learn the warning signs • Do get involved and be available • Do be willing to listen

30. Do allow expression of feelings • Do discuss suicide openly and frankly • Do be a non-judgmental listener

31. Do show interest and support • Do get help from agencies and professionals • Do remove access to drugs and lethal weapons • Do emphasize that help is available

32. Don't refuse to talk about it • Don't act shocked or outraged • Don't offer platitudes or glib answers • Don't "dare" a suicidal person to commit suicide • Don't be sworn to secrecy (seek help instead)