Suicide Prevention, if you know someone in crisis

Question 1

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

Answer 1

It is important to note that suicide is not a normal response to stress

Question 2

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

Answer 2

Suicide is a major public health concern. Over 40,000 people die by suicide each year in the United States; it is the 10th leading cause of death overall

Question 3

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

Answer 3

The behaviors listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide.

Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live
Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
Talking about great guilt or shame
Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)
Talking about being a burden to others
Using alcohol or drugs more often
Acting anxious or agitated
Withdrawing from family and friends
Changing eating and/or sleeping habits
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
Talking or thinking about death often
Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
Giving away important possessions
Saying goodbye to friends and family
Putting affairs in order, making a will

Question 4

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

Answer 4

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk

Question 5

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

Answer 5

The main risk factors for suicide are:

Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder
Certain medical conditions
Chronic pain
A prior suicide attempt
Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse
Family history of suicide
Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
Having guns or other firearms in the home
Having recently been released from prison or jail
Being exposed to others’ suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities

Question 6

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

Answer 6

Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention, and should not be ignored.

Question 7

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

Answer 7

Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide. Men are more likely to use deadlier methods, such as firearms or suffocation. Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide by poisoning.

Question 8

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

Answer 8

highest rate of suicide deaths among women is found between ages 45 and 64, while the highest rate for men occurs at ages 75+. Children and young adults also are at risk for suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 34.

Question 9

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

Answer 9

among racial and ethnic groups, American Indians and Alaska Natives tend to have the highest rate of suicides, followed by non-Hispanic Whites. African Americans tend to have the lowest suicide rate, while Hispanics tend to have the second lowest rate.

Question 10

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

Answer 10

Another type of psychotherapy, called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), has been shown to reduce the rate of suicide among people with borderline personality disorder, a serious mental illness characterized by unstable moods, relationships, self-image, and behavior.

Question 11

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

Answer 11

Clozapine, is an antipsychotic medication used primarily to treat individuals with schizophrenia. However, it is the only medication with a specific U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indication for reducing the risk of recurrent suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are at risk for ongoing suicidal behavior