This photo is of a local young man’s gravesite that was the result of a suicide. He went to school with my sons and every time I drove by my heart goes out to the family. That’s why I’ve written this post on suicide awareness here.
When I heard on the radio the other day that World Suicide Day was coming up on September 10th I had to take a picture and share it. Maybe we can prevent another one from happening.
There have been at least 5 in the past several years in the town I lived in and many were friends with my sons.
No one should have to go through with these families have been through. That’s why I decided to update this blog post as another recent suicide happened in my old neighborhood.
Table of Contents
Everyday Should Be World Suicide Prevention Day
According to WHO almost 1 million people a year die from suicide throughout the world. In the last 45 years alone suicide has increased a whopping 60%.
That’s a lot! It is the top 3 leading cause of death of those aged 15-45 in some countries. Suicide rates were among the highest in the male elderly but that has changed to the younger age set.
Mental disorders are a major factor in all these suicides.
Other factors include Alcoholism, family history, terminal illness, stressful event or loss of someone close, (does not have to be death, the above ones I believe were break-ups with girlfriends).
As well as isolation as more people work from home in the past few years, exposure to others doing it, and a history of trauma or abuse.
Signs To Watch For When Someone Is Suicidal:
- Lack of interest in their daily activities.
- The decline in grades if in school.
- Misconduct in school or work.
- Repeated and unexplained absences from work or school.
- Excessive use of drugs, alcohol, or smoking.
- Withdrawal from friends.
- Self-hate.
- Frequent complaints about not feeling well – headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue.
- Talking about suicide – saying that they wish they were dead.
- Loss of independence in older people.
- Getting affairs in order – saying goodbyes and making out a will and giving away prized possessions.
- Sudden calmness after being depressed- means they may have decided to go through with committing suicide.
What Can YOU Do To Help Prevent Suicide?
- Talk to them if you suspect they are suicidal – ask what you can do to help or if they want to seek help.
- Make them know they are NOT alone.
- Let them know you may NOT understand it but are THERE For them.
- LISTEN – Sometimes they need someone to just LISTEN.
- Be sympathetic and NON-judgmental.
- Ask if they have a suicide plan so you can access the risk.
- Do everything in your power to get them professional help – call a crisis line for advice.
- Call them daily to see how they are – don’t wait for them to call you.
- Donate to causes to prevent suicide and spread awareness.
Since My Last Post in 2012
Since writing this original blog post back in 2012 I have been to more funerals for those that have committed suicide. This cause is near and dear to my heart.
The Hotline numbers to call:
1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-784-2433
1-800-273-8255
To Conclude Suicide Awareness
Let’s see if we can prevent one more suicide from happening today. Do you have more to add to the lists above? Please leave them in the comments below.