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 Suicide is the second leading cause of
death between the ages of 15 and 24 preceding homicide and
unintentional injury (Suicide Prevention Services, Inc.). In
1992 more teenagers and young adults died from suicide than
from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke,
pneumonia and influenza, and chronic lung disease
combined, according to the National Center for
Prevention and Control of Violence.
SUICIDE RISK SIGNALS:
- Verbal suicide threats
- Previous suicide threats or attempts
- Previous changes (unusual withdrawal,
aggression or moodiness)
- High risk behavior (alcohol or drug
use, speeding and dangerous play)
- Depression (changes in normal appetite,
sleep disturbances, sudden drop in school performance,
angry outbursts or tearfulness)
- Loss of interest in friends, hobbies,
school, etc.
- Final arrangements (making a will,
giving away personal items, suicidal poetry or written
communication)
- Increased use of alcohol or
drug/substance abuse
- Truancy or delinquent behavior (scrapes
with the law, shoplifting)
- Recent emotional loss or disappointment
(break up with boy/girl friend, death of a family member
or friend, academic or sports failure)
- Extreme family conflicts (physical or
sexual abuse going on at home, drug addicted parents,
"hopeless" life situations)
- Unkempt personal appearance
MYTHS & FACTS:
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MYTH |
People who say they are
going to commit suicide never really do.
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FACT |
Most people who commit
suicide do tell someone they are going to kill
themselves. Verbal warnings should not be ignored.
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MYTH |
Talking to someone about
suicide may increase the risk of them actually
committing suicide.
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FACT |
The opposite is true.
Asking someone if he feels suicidal or wants to kill
himself creates relief in the individual as well as
opens a line of communication which can lead to help.
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MYTH |
If someone really wants
to die, no one can stop him.
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FACT |
Most suicidal people are
ambivalent about wanting to die. Many tell that they
just want their emotional pain to stop, and they believe
that death is the only avenue. They do not really want
to die.
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MYTH |
There is a typical type
of person who is most likely to commit suicide.
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FACT |
People of all ages and
walks of life commit suicide. There is no "typical" type
of suicidal person.
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MYTH |
Suicide often happens
without warning.
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FACT |
Most people give warning
signs. Sometimes these signs go unrecognized.
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