Understanding Suicide: Risk Factors, Statistics, and Prevention

1. Suicide Chapter 11

2. Suicide • After motor vehicle accidents, suicide is the leading cause of death among college students (3rd leading cause for adolescents).

3. Suicide • More than 1,000 college students each year commit suicide yearly in the U.S. • The highest rate of suicide comes from people age 75 years and older

4. Statistics • Almost 500,000 Americans make attempts each year that are serious enough to require medical attention. • About 30,000 people in the U.S commit suicide yearly (1 million people worldwide suicides each year)

5. Who is Most at Risk? • Age- Suicide rates are greater among older adults, especially white males aged 75 yrs. and above.

6. Who is Most at Risk? • Gender- • More women attempt suicide, but men are about 4 times as likely to complete the act.

7. Gender • Men use more lethal means, especially firearms. • Women tend to use more pills, poison and other less lethal methods.

8. Who is Most at Risk? • Race/Ethnicity- • White and Native Americans are more likely than African Americans and Hispanic Americans to commit suicide. • The American Indian youth suicide rate is 3 times the national average for youth.

9. Why the Elevated Risk? • For American Indians: • Widespread sense of hopelessness due to a lack of opportunities and segregation from dominant culture sets the stage for alcohol and drug abuse.

10. Factors in Suicide • Closely linked to mood disorders, especially major depression and bipolar disorders. • Believing things are hopeless and one is helpless to change them can lead to the overwhelming feeling of distress.

11. Factors in Suicide • Like depression, suicide is linked to biochemical factors and genetic factors, both of which can affect serotonin levels.

12. Factors in Suicide • Irregularities in serotonin may lead to disinhibition effect- the removal of inhibitions can lead to impulsive behaviors such as suicide

13. Factors in Suicide • Alcohol and drugs can lead to impulsive behavior and suicidal thoughts with an increased likelihood of the behavior being acted upon.

14. Factors in Suicide • Schizophrenia, severe anxiety disorder, and prolonged unemployment can also increase the likelihood of suicide.

15. Factors in Suicide • A lack of coping responses (skills) among people who attempt or commit suicide. • Suicidal people may see no other way of resolving their problems.

16. Factors in Suicide • Suicide is seen as an “exit event” that leave people vulnerable and feeling stripped of crucial support structures

17. Factors in Suicide • Teenage “copy cat” suicides; suicides that mimic other publicized suicides across the country. • Teens with a friend who has attempted suicide are more likely than their peers to attempt suicide.

18. Teen Suicide Warning Signs (write 1) • Expresses thoughts of death, dying and a desire to leave this life  • Changes in normal habits, such as eating and sleeping, and spending time with friends and family  • Dramatic weight fluctuations, in any direction 

19. Teen Suicide Warning Signs (write 1) • Evidence of substance abuse (legal and illegal) • Dramatic mood swings • Lost interest in schoolwork and extracurricular activities

20. Teen Suicide Prevention (write 1) • Talk to a trained professional. • Remove all drugs and/or weapons from the person (any dangers).

21. Teen Suicide Prevention (write 1) • DON’T brush the problem off. • Be a good friend. • Keep in touch.