From the Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network - California Suicide Prevention: Risk Factors and How To Help Someone in Crisis The idea of someone we love completing suicide is frightening to contemplate. Most people ignore the subject or think it just can't happen to them. In California, suicide is a leading cause of death, particularly for teens and the elderly. National Statistics: Schools- Recent have studies shown that only 9% of high school teachers and 33% of high school counselors feel confident in their abilities to identify students at risk for suicide (King, et al, 1999a, 1999b) More than one half of high school students report that they would not feel comfortable talking to a school professional about a personal problem, and only 1 in 3 would feel comfortable talking to a school counselor if they had problems (Armaquest, 1990) 3 out of 4 adolescents would first turn to a friend for help if they were contemplating suicide (Gallup, 1991). Suicide was the third leading cause of death among teens in the United States in 2002. the 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicated that during the past 12 months, nearly 17% of students "serously considered attempting suicide," 13 % made a specific plan to attempt suicide 8.4% reported one or more suicide attempts 2.2% made a medically serious suicide attempt that required medical attention (Eaton, et al, 2006) Tuolumne County has reached a point of crisis - with four youth suicides in the past year and a half and a more recent one this month! The Union Democrat newspaper recently reported that our county is twice the state average based on suicide statistics and county population. Choose to become informed. This is something each of us can do to help prevent suicide. Suicide Risk Factors: Hopelessness Lack of social support sense of isolation Academic/social failure in school Alcohol and other substance abuse Easy access to lethal weapons Suicide death of family member/loved one Stigma associated with help-seeking effort Divorce or Death of spouse Impulsive or aggressive tendencies History of trauma or abuse Previous suicide attempt Job loss or financial loss Barriers to accessing health care, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment Some major physical illnesses Mental disorders; particularly depression and other mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and certain personality disorders. Relationship or social loss Legal trouble/IRS trouble Certain cultural and religious beliefs Exposure to, including through media, and influence of others who have died by suicide Where to Seek Help: Call 911, if Suicide is imminent Local Suicide Prevention Crisis Line: Tuolumne County Behavioral Health Daytime (209) 588-9528 After hours (209) 588-HELP (4357) or 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Call your family doctor or a therapist Go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital Call school counselors, teachers, clergy or law enforcement Go to a local psychiatric hospital What You Can Do Take all threats, gestures and previous attempts seriously! And make sure your loved one's caregiver does too. Never agree to keep suicidal thoughts or plans a secret If crisis is immediate - do not leave them alone until help is available. Remove all firearms, knives, razors, medications/drugs/ alcohol and potentially dangerous items from the area. Express your concern. Be a non-judgemental listener. Let them know you care and have a sense of what they are feeling and that they are not alone Ask what the matter is. Get the person in crisis to talk about his/her problems. Don't try to talk them out of it, this only communicates to them that you are not listening. Don't be afraid to talk about suicide directly, or ask if they have a plan. Help them understand their problems are temporary and can be solved. If they were in crisis before, ask how they resolved it. Can they apply these same solutions now? Discuss what other alternatives there might be. Talk to a trusted adult. If professional help is required, help them find someone. It may be necessary to go with them. After assistance is obtained, continue to follow up with the person's treatment and progress. Take an active role in ensuring that treatment compliance occurs. Warning Signs of Suicide Previous suicide threats, gestures or attempts Symptoms of depression Loss of interest or pleasure in formerly enjoyed activities Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness Sudden changes in mood or behavior Changes in eating habits Loss of energy Lack of concentration, indecision Giving away favorite possessions Thoughts or speaking about death or suicide Use of alcohol or other drugs to blunt emotional or psychological pain Dawn's Light for those healing from a loved one's suicide death 532-9001 Fresno S.O.S. (Survivors of Suicide Loss) fresnosos.org SPAN - California www.span-california.org a non-profit organization of concerned citizens and professionals dedicated to the prevention of suicide