People who feel down or overwhelmed often believe that ending their life is the solution to their problems.
If someone you know has plans to end their life, get help immediately by calling 911 OR toll-free 1-800-SUICIDE OR 713-HOTLINE (713-468-5463).
The truth is that even when overwhelmed or depressed, most people don't want their life to end - they want their problems to end. It is possible to make changes in your life so that it is worth living.
Before deciding to end your life, explore your options by talking with a trusted friend or family member, therapist or counselor, or calling anonymously to 1-800-SUICIDE.
FACTS AND FIGURES
Facts & Figures (facts based on 2001 statistics from the American Association of Suicidology)
- Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death for all Americans
- Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young persons ages 15-24
- Each year approximately 30,000 Americans commit suicide, 83 suicides per day, 1 suicide every 17 minutes.
- Approximately 80% of the individuals who attempt or commit suicide DO give some indication of their impending action -- LISTEN, LOOK
SOME INDICATORS OF SUICIDE RISK
SUICIDE DANGER SIGNALS/WARNING SIGNS
Some Indicators Of Suicide Risk
- Recent or perceived loss, (not just death) of a
friend, family member, pet or break-up of a relationship
- Victims of violence
- Sudden change in behavior or erratic or acting out behavior
- Cutting off friendships...isolation
- Thrill-seeking behavior
- Increase in drug or alcohol abuse
- Signs of depression
- Change in sleeping pattern, appetite, activity level
- Expressing helplessness or an "I don't care" attitude
- Feeling life is less meaningful...hopelessness
- Family disruption: move, divorce or other major changes
Suicide Danger Signals/Warning Signs
- A change in habits (sleeping, eating, studying, activity level, sexual activity, job performance)
- Giving away prized possessions
- Increase in drug or alcohol abuse
- Depression
- Talking about committing suicide or threats to commit suicide (implied or explicit)
- Previous attempts at suicide
- Sudden change in behavior
What To Do
- Listen, believe, be direct, ask, hear, be non-judgmental
- Talk, communicate concern, let the person know you care
- If attempt risk seems imminent, DO NOT leave person alone
- Alert family members, friends, counselor, physician, etc.
- Call or have person call:
CRISIS HOTLINE:
(713) HOTLINE OR (281) 461-9992
TEENLINE:
(713) 529-TEEN
SPANISH HOTLINE:
(713) 526-8088
Toll Free Suicide Crisis Line:
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
