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Suicidality

Definition

Suicide is the act of taking your own life following stressful life situations. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds and on average more than 9.4 million adults in the United States have serious thoughts of suicide within a year.1, 5, 6

Warning signs of suicide include3, 6
  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
  • Looking for a way to kill oneself
  • 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 feeling isolated
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Displaying extreme mood swings

Most often, suicidal thoughts are the result of feeling like there is no hope when facing an overwhelming situation. People who commit suicide or who have suicidal thoughts or behavior are more likely to have a family history of suicide.3

Suicide is preventable by treating the underlying cause by getting the treatment needed and reaching out to loved ones and others to establish a support network.3

*Refer to prevention section*

References

  1. American Psychiatry Association
  2. Australian Government Department of Health-Head to Health
  3. Mayo Clinic
  4. National Alliance on Mental Illness
  5. Suicide Prevention Resource Center
  6. U.S Departement of Health & Human Ressources-Mental Health