World Suicide Prevention Day

ByMichelle Garrett

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.

There’s no way to sugar coat this post. There’s no way to make it an easy read.

Suicide. It’s a topic not discussed readily. Brushed under the carpet or in the corner. If we ignore it then it’ll go away.

It won’t.

According to the International Association for Suicide Prevention, the groups most at risk for suicide are:

  • the bullied
  • defense personnel
  • addicts
  • First Nations
  • helping professionals
  • those infected with HIV or AIDS
  • inmates
  • lesbians, gays, bi-sexuals and transgenders
  • older people
  • those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • those in rural communities
  • teens and young adults
  • visible minorities

That covers quite a few demographics. As of 2011, an average of 1 million people die a year from suicide. That equates to 3000 daily – 40 every second.

Let that marinate for a moment.

According to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, these are some of the warning signs:

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves.
  • Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
  • Talking about being a burden to others.
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
  • Sleeping too little or too much.
  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
  • Displaying extreme mood swings.

Contact Safety Teams at Social Media Sites:

  • Facebook: Click here to anonymously report someone as suicidal on Facebook. A member of Facebook’s Safety Team will send the user an e-mail with the Lifeline number and possibly a link to chat with Lifeline counselor.
  • Twitter: Click here and select “Self-Harm” to send an e-mail to Twitter reporting a suicidal user. Twitter will send the user a direct message with the Lifeline number.
  • MySpace: Click on the “Report Abuse” link that appears at the bottom of every MySpace page and complete the form. MySpace will then send an e-mail to the MySpace user with the Lifeline number.
  • YouTube: To report suicidal content, click on the flag icon under a video and select “Harmful Dangerous Acts” and then “Suicide or Self-Injury.” You Tube will then review the video and may send a message to the user that uploaded the video with the Lifeline number.
  • Tumblr: Click here to write an e-mail to Tumblr about a suicidal user. Include as much information as possible including the URL of the Tumblr blog. A member of Tumblr’s Safety Team will send the user an e-mail with the Lifeline number.

Domestic Violence and Suicide

Victims of domestic violence often feel trapped and powerless, and do not receive treatment for their depression, and thus believe that suicide is the only way out. If you are in danger, call 911, your local hotline, or the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233(SAFE) and TTY 1-800-787-3224

How can you help?  Verizon’s HopeLine program connects survivors of domestic violence with vital resources and funds organizations nationwide.  You can donate your old cell phone to this program and help provide refurbished phones to participating domestic violence agencies.

National Suicide Hotlines

1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)

1-800-273-TALK (273-8255)

Deaf Hotline: 1-800-799-4TTY (799-4889)

Click this link for suicide hotlines specific to your state.

 

We can remove the stigma of suicide and suicidal thoughts by speaking up, acknowledging the signs and offering help the best way we can