Suicide Prevention: How You Can Help Save a Life

Suicide prevention isn't a pleasant subject to discuss, but we all have to face the facts. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, more than 30,000 people die by suicide each year in the U.S. A death by suicide occurs every 16 minutes. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people between the ages of 15 and 24. It's safe to say that we have an epidemic on our hands.

You may think, "What can I do about suicide prevention? I'm not a doctor, therapist, or researcher." But numbers like these mean that at some point, you'll probably encounter someone in desperate need of help. That person could be a coworker, friend, or family member. Or maybe you already know someone who may be suicidal. You can't save 30,000 people per year, but you can play a critical role in suicide prevention by helping to save one life-and every single life matters.

NOTE:If you believe that a friend or loved one is in imminent danger, bring him or her to the nearest emergency room. If he or she refuses, call 911 or your local mental health crisis facility. Whatever the case, take action IMMEDIATELY.

If you are thinking of harming yourself, please know that help and hope are available. Get the help you need and deserve NOW. Call a friend, family member, or a crisis hotline such as The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
1-800-273-TALK. Remember: you are not alone.

Suicide prevention, part 1: What are the major risk factors for suicide?

Suicide prevention depends largely on recognizing risk factors, both in populations and in individuals. Below are some of the risk factors which the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has identified:

--Approximately 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a psychiatric illness such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.

--20 to 50 percent of those who kill themselves have attempted suicide before. The more serious the attempt(s), the higher the risk that the person will "succeed" at taking his or her life in the future.

--People who tend to be impulsive are more likely to attempt suicide.

Suicide prevention, part 2: How do you tell when someone might be suicidal?

You can stop a tragedy from happening.

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