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September 1, 2010 |
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Preventing suicide: Recognize warning signs, get help
Colorado Sept. 5-11 is National Suicide Prevention Week
By Julie Filby
In an effort to end their pain, suicide victims end their lives. Following this premature death of a loved one, family and friends may find themselves asking: How did I miss the warning signs? What could I have done to prevent this tragedy?
Sept. 5-11 is National Suicide Prevention Week, surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day Sept. 10. The week is designated to raise awareness about suicide prevention, and call on communities to help by sharing information and resources, and taking action.
Impact of suicide
Suicide affects people of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, religions and economic backgrounds. The World Health Organization estimates about 1 million people take their own life each year. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 33,000 suicides in 2006. Approximately 865,000 Americans are known to attempt suicide each year.
Colorado consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally for suicide rates, most recently ranking ninth. In 2008, 801 individuals died by suicide in the state.
Share information and resources
Recognizing warning signs is a key component of prevention. Julie May, a counselor at St. Mary’s Academy High School, has worked with teenage girls whose friends, or themselves, have considered suicide. In Colorado, suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth age 10-19.
“Outreach is so important—kids feel isolated as it is simply because they’re teenagers,” May said. “Kids who are contemplating suicide want help. They want to talk to somebody they can trust, someone that makes them feel safe.”
May previously coordinated a visit at St. Mary’s by the Second Wind Fund, a nonprofit helping to supply mental health services for underinsured teens at risk for suicide. The presentation provided a forum to talk about suicide and educate students on the warning signs.
“School can provide an environment to talk about it, to open the lines of communication,” she said.
When warning signs are detected, individuals should be referred to resources appropriate for their specific needs. Nationally, the elderly make up 12.6 percent of the population, but comprise 15.7 percent of all suicides. Men age 75 and older have the highest suicide rate in Colorado.
Older individuals often have emotional, psychological and social issues different from adolescents and adults, such as: loss of family, friends and work; medical problems associated with ageing; cognitive decline; reemergence of past mental health issues; and dealing with end-of-life issues.
To serve the elderly there are geriatric psychiatric units at the Medical Center of Aurora North, the Haven Behavioral Senior Care of North Denver in Thornton, and a 14-bed unit opened at Denver’s Porter Hospital last July.
“A distinct unit for seniors allows for improved care and outcomes,” said Jack Finn, registered nurse and clinical coordinator of Porter’s program. “Mixing frail elderly patients with sometimes aggressive younger patients has the potential for creating fear rather than trust.”
Action
According to a 2009 report from Colorado Department of Health and Environment’s Office of Suicide Prevention, individuals in a suicidal crisis feel there may be no solution and “this point in time is a critical intervention opportunity.”
While not every suicide can be prevented, it’s estimated in about three-fourths of cases there was evidence the individual was seriously planning to commit suicide. When someone recognizes warning signs (see accompanying list), they should be taken seriously.
“If someone is talking about ending their life, an evaluation by a licensed clinical professional is essential, the sooner the better,” Finn explained. “Emergency rooms can assess and determine the most appropriate level of care for suicidal thoughts, feelings and plans.”
Teens can be hesitant to report a friend at risk out of fear or loyalty.
“If a friend makes statements alluding to suicide, kids need to talk to a trusted adult,” May said. “Even if they think they can help, or said they’d keep it a secret.
“A true friend is willing to let that friend be mad at them.”
Though some critics of social networking see outlets such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter as capable of tipping a vulnerable person toward suicide; they have also been known to help by providing an instant, anonymous line of communication—or by making friends and family aware of emotional struggles based on information shared by an individual online.
A Facebook search of “suicide prevention” produced 171 sites with thousands of fans including nearly 40,000 people sharing on the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention page.
For Catholic teaching on suicide, see “Catechism of the Catholic Church” (2280-2283). Other pertinent text from St. Augustine can be found in “City of God” (book 1, chapter 20) and “Summa Theologiae” (II-II, question 64, article 5).
Warning signs of suicide
• Talking about suicide, death or no reason to live
• Preoccupied with death and dying
• Withdrawing from family, friends or social activities
• Having a recent severe loss (especially relationship) or threat of a significant loss
• Drastic changes in behavior
• Losing interest in hobbies, work or school
• Making out a will or other final arrangements
• Giving away prized possessions
• Attempted suicide before
• Taking unnecessary risks; being reckless or impulsive
• Losing interest in personal appearance
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Expressing a sense of hopelessness
• Faced with a situation of humiliation or failure
• Faced with a disciplinary crisis
• Having a history of violence or hostility
Source: The Second Wind Fund
Suicide Prevention Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (crisis hotline)
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Catholic Charities
“Question, Persuade and Refer” suicide prevention class for seniors and health-care professionals
303-742-0828, Ext. 2046
www.ccdenver.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness
303 321-3104
www.namicolorado.org
The Second Wind Fund
303.988.5870
www.thesecondwindfund.org
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