Suicide is a major public health problem. In recent years it has become the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for over 38,000 deaths in 2010. An average of one person every 13.7 minutes takes their own life, according to the American Association of Suicidology.
We lose on average 73 people a year to suicide in Northeast Indiana. To do our part in trying to save more of those 73 people, Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana is involved in suicide prevention efforts in this region.
Are you considering suicide? Are you worried about someone that you care about and whether or not they are considering suicide? Please don’t suffer in silence. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
About Suicide
A suicide attempt is a clear indication that something is gravely wrong in a person’s life. No matter the race or age of the person, how rich or poor they are, it is true that most people who die by suicide have a mental or emotional disorder. The most common underlying disorder is depression: 30% to 70% of suicide victims suffer from major depression or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder.
No suicide attempt should be dismissed or treated lightly!
Eight out of ten people considering suicide give some sign of their intentions. People who talk about suicide, threaten suicide, or call suicide crisis centers are 30 times more likely than average to kill themselves.
Know the Warning Signs
Any one of these signs does not necessarily mean the person is considering suicide, but several of these symptoms may signal a need for help.
Things That Increase Risk
The following factors can increase someone’s risk for committing suicide. However, someone experiencing these factors may not be suicidal.