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CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, 608-266-1683
TAKE ACTION WHEN YOU SEE WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE
National Suicide Prevention Week is September 6-12th
MADISON - State officials are encouraging people to take action to
help prevent suicides when a loved one, friend, neighbor or co-worker
shows suicidal symptoms or talks about taking their own life.
“Suicide can happen at any age and doesn’t know any boundaries. A
suicide may be preventable if we all watch for the warning signs in those
around us,” said Department Secretary Karen Timberlake. “Suicide is
often related to unrecognized depression and it’s important we try to
help people connect with their doctor or therapist to get the care they
need.”
Warning signs of suicide include:
- Talking about suicide
- Statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness
- Preoccupation with death
- Suddenly happier or calmer
- Loss of interest in things one cares about
- Visiting or calling people one cares about
- Making arrangements, setting one's affairs in order
- Giving things away
Take warning signs seriously – question the person about their
thoughts and refer them to help. If it’s urgent, call 911. You can also
call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for
guidance. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free, 24-hour
hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than
33,000 people kill themselves each year. Several factors can put a person
at risk for attempting or committing suicide, although these risk factors
do not always mean that suicide will occur. Risk factors for suicide
include previous suicide attempt(s), history of depression or other mental
illness, alcohol or drug abuse, family history of suicide or violence,
physical illness or feeling alone.
According to The Burden of Suicide in Wisconsin report, Wisconsin
experiences an average of 650 deaths by suicide per year. The greatest
number of suicide deaths occurs among 35-54 year old males. Men account
for about 80% of all suicide deaths in Wisconsin, although women are twice
as likely to make attempts. Youth age 15-24 had the highest rates of
inpatient hospital and emergency department visits for self-inflicted
injuries.
The Burden of Suicide in Wisconsin report is available at http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/health/injuryprevention/pdffiles/bosfinal9%205.pdf
To view the CDC’s suicide prevention website, go to http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/suicide/
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Last Revised: July 12, 2010 |
