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Common misconceptions about suicide

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Common misconceptions about suicide

Myth #1: Most people who threaten to commit suicide aren’t really serious about it.

Truth: Threats of suicide should always be taken seriously. Anyone who threatens to commit suicide has likely considered it or is considering it.  Sometimes phrases said jokingly like “would you miss me if I was dead” is a way to communicate what they’ve been thinking and find out what you think (if you would be hurt if they were gone). Almost everyone who commits or attempts suicide has given some verbal clue.

Myth #2:  People who try to kill themselves are crazy

Truth: Most suicidal people are actually dealing with a somewhat rational frame of mind given their circumstances.  Many are dealing with emotional pain from major life crises or a physiological chemical imbalance.  Long term, daily emotional pain can be debilitating. Sometimes people consider suicide as the only way they see to get relief.

Myth #3: If a person truly wants to commit suicide there is nothing anyone can do to stop them.

Truth:  Taking your life is not an easy thing to do.  No one wants to be in a situation to have to deal with this dilemma. Most often even if someone is very serious about committing suicide, they will likely have mixed feelings about death until the very last moment. Most suicidal people do not want to die. They feel it’s the only way to end their suffering.

Myth #4:  Suicide is avoiding dealing with problems

Truth: Most people who attempt or successfully commit suicide try to get help many times. They seek help from professionals and close loved ones.

Myth #5: Suicidal people are selfish

Truth: People who attempt or commit suicide are not trying to hurt anyone. Often they take many actions to get help and put off suicide so they don’t hurt family and friends. When they don’t get the help they need and the pain becomes to great, they feel they have no choice.

Suicide data: Common frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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How many people die each year by suicide?

In 2013, there were 12.6 suicide deaths per 100,000 of population in the United States. From 1986 to 2000, suicide rates in the United States dropped from 12.5 to 10.4 suicide deaths per 100,000 people, but the rate has generally increased ever since. Source: www.afsp.org

There were 41,149 deaths by self-harm (suicide) in the U.S. in 2013. Source: CDC.gov Suicide data: Common frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the most common causes of death?

In 2013, firearms were the most common method of death by suicide. Guns account for 51.4% of all suicide deaths. The next most common method is were suffocation, which includes hangings at 24.5%. Poisoning is 16.1% Source: www.afsp.org

What is the demographic profile of people who kill themselves? 

MIDDLE AGERS: In 2013, the highest suicide rate (19.1 per 100,000) was among people ages 45 to 64 years old.

OLD AGE: The second highest rate (18.6 per 100,000) occurred in those 85 years and older.

TEENS: In 2013, adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 had a suicide rate of 10.9 per 100,000.

GENDER: The suicide rate is four times higher among men than women. In 2013, men had a suicide rate of 20.2, while women had a rate of 5.5.
Of those who died by suicide in 2013, 77.9% were men and 22.1% were women.

RACE: In 2013, the highest U.S. suicide rate (14.2) was among Whites. The second highest rate (11.7) was among American Indians and Alaska Natives. For Asians and Pacific Islanders the rate is 5.8, Blacks (5.4) and Hispanics (5.7).

Source: www.afsp.org

Is there a time of year where suicide rates are highest?

Late spring is the time of the year when the most people tend to kill themselves, and not the end of the year holiday season as conventional wisdom suggests. During the cold months of winter, people go into a kind of semi-hibernation, so they work less, connect with fewer people, and as a consequence experience less frustration and diminished conflict. In the spring, work increased and the resulting stress might – it is theorized – trigger suicidal thoughts and ultimately behavior. People working on farms or in a factory where there is greater seasonal variation of work and contact with people appear to be the most suceptible. Cubical office workers commit suicide more frequently in the fall. Mothers become more suicidal in September once they send their child(ren) off to school. Source: Slate.com

What causes depression?

Scientists aren’t clear on what causes depression. What is know is that depression is caused by a variety of factors, which can include a person’s genetic makeup, their biochemical environment, personal experience and psychological factors. In some people a lack of melatonin can trigger depression. This is known as seasonal affected disorder (SAD). A traumatic or terrible event in someone’s life can trigger depression. Source: MedicalNewsToday.com

Is depression curable?

Depression is thought not to be curable, but it is highly treatable with a variety of drugs and therapies.

Is suicide genetic?

A  study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health has discovered evidence that there is a specific gene that is  linked to suicidal behavior. The research could help doctors to target the gene in prevention efforts. Source: ScienceDaily.com

Are suicidal warning signs always present?

Not always. However the signs can also be subtle and only obvious in hindsight. Source: suicideispreventable.org

Does suicide happen without warning?

There are usually warning signs well in advance of any attempted suicide including. Listen to what they say. Watch for new or change in behavior and observe their mood. Here are the warning signs that someone may commit suicide.

A person talks about:

  • Killing themselves.
  • Having no reason to live.
  • Being a burden to others.
  • Feeling trapped.
  • Unbearable pain.

A person’s suicide risk is increased when a behavior is new or has increased, especially if it’s related to a painful event, loss or a change.

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
  • Seeking a way to kill themselves (ie. searching online for information or methods).
  • Behaving recklessly.
  • Avoiding or withdrawing from activities.
  • Isolating themselves from family and friends.
  • Sleeping too much or too little.
  • Visiting people or calling them to say goodbye.
  • Gifting prized possessions to other people.
  • Aggressive behavior.

People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods.

  • Depression.
  • Loss of interest.
  • Rage.
  • Irritability.
  • Humiliation.
  • Anxiety.

Source: www.afsp.org

Which chronic illnesses are often paired with depression?

Source: MedicineNet.com