- Most everyone at some time in his/her life will experience periods
of anxiety, sadness, and despair. These are normal reactions to the pain
of loss, rejection, or disappointment. Those with Serious Mental Illnesses;
however, often experience much more extreme reactions that can leave
them mired in hopelessness. When all hope is lost, some feel that Suicide
is the only solution. It is not.
- Of those who commit Suicide,
75 percent tell someone before it happens.
- On the average, two
young people take their lives every month in Iowa.
- About 90 percent
of teenagers who commit Suicide suffer from a psychiatric disorder such
as Depression, Anxiety, or Substance Abuse.
- In Iowa, among 10
to19 year-olds, Suicide kills more than homicide and less than motor
accidents.
- In Iowa, 9 percent of all suicides involving guns
were committed by teenagers.
- The Suicide rate for persons
aged 15 to 24 increased more than any other age group since 1965.
- Many
of these signs go unrecognized. While suffering from one of these symptoms
certainly does not necessarily mean that one is suicidal, it is always
best to communicate openly with a loved one who has one or more of these
behaviors, especially if they are unusual for that person.
- Obvious
signs for committing Suicide are putting one's affairs in order, such
as giving or throwing away favorite belongings. It cannot be stressed
more strongly that any talk of death or Suicide should be taken seriously.
Symptoms
- Extreme personality changes
- Significant loss or gain in appetite
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Having trouble concentrating
- Extreme anxiety or panic
- Poor school performance
|
- Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
- Difficulty falling asleep or wanting to sleep all day
- Neglect of personal appearance or hygiene
- Aggressive, destructive, or defiant behavior
- Sadness, irritability, or indifference
- Hallucinations or unusual beliefs
- Drug or alcohol use or abuse
|
Causes
- While the reasons that teens commit Suicide vary widely, there
are some common situations and circumstances that seem to lead to such
extreme measures. These include the following: major disappointment, rejection,
failure, or loss such as breaking up with a girlfriend or boyfriend, failing
a big exam, or witnessing family turmoil.
- Since the overwhelming majority of those who commit Suicide have
a Mental or Substance-related Disorder, they often have difficulty coping
with such crippling stressors. They are unable to see that their life can
turn around and unable to recognize that Suicide is a permanent solution
to a temporary problem. Usually, the common reasons for Suicide listed above
are actually not the "causes" of the Suicide, but rather triggers
for Suicide in a person suffering from a Mental Illness or Substance-related
Disorder.
- Research has also explored the specific brain chemistry
of those who take their own lives. Recent studies indicate that those who
have attempted Suicide may also have low levels of the brain chemical serotonin.
Serotonin helps control impulsivity, and low levels of the brain chemical
are thought to cause more impulsive behavior.
If Warning Signs are Seen
What To Do:
- Do not ignore warning signs. Take threats seriously.
- Seek
professional help. Call your local physician, hospital, or mental health
center.
- Discuss openly and frankly, if confided in. Do not dismiss
feelings, problems, or get angry.
- Stay calm and concerned.
- Listen. Show interest and support.
- Remove all weapons which
are accessible
What Not To Do:
- Never minimize or ignore statements about wanting to die.
- Do not give
advice, such as “Everything will be alright” or “Snap
out of it.”
- Do not be judgmental, swear secrecy, debate whether Suicide
is right or wrong, or increase guilt.
- Do not delay dealing with the situation.
Do not leave the person alone if you think the risk is there. Call a
suicide-prevention center.
Recommended Resources
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry SA/VE
(Suicide Awareness/Voices of Education)
3615 Wisconsin Avenue, NW PO Box
24507
Washington DC 20016-3007 Minneapolis MN 55424-0507
Phone: (202) 966-7300
Phone: (952) 946-7998
Fax: (202) 966-2891 Web site: www.save.org or
Web site: www.aacap.org Email: save@winternet.com
American
Association of Suicidolgy SPAN (Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network)
4201
Connecticut Avenue NW Suite 408 5034 Odin's Way
Washington DC 20008 Marietta
GA 30068
Phone: (202) 237-2280 Phone: (888) 649-1366 (toll-free)
Fax: (202) 237-2282
Fax: (770) 642-1419
Web site: www.suicidology.org Web site: www.spanusa.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Yellow Ribbon
Suicide Prevention Program
120 Wall Street 22 Floor P.O. Box 644
New York NY 10005 Westminster CO 80030-0644
Phone: (888) 333-AFSP (toll-free)
or (212) 363-6237 Phone: (303) 429-3530
Fax: (212) 363-6237 Fax: (303) 426-4496
Web site: www.afsp.org or Email:
inquiry@afsp.org Web site: www.yellowribbon.org
Suggested Reading
- Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide by Jamison, Kay Redfield
- His
Bright Light: The Story of Nick Traina by Steel, Danielle
- Suicide:
Why? by Wrobleski, Adina
If you or someone you know would like more information on
mental illness or wish to request an educational presentation, please contact:
NAMI IOWA (Alliance for the Mentally Ill
of Iowa)
5911 Meredith Drive Suite E
Des Moines IA 50322-1903
Phone: (515) 254-0417 or (800) 417-0417 IOWA ONLY
Fax: (515) 254-1103
Email: info@namiiowa.com
