Suicide Prevention: What You Should Know

I've noticed that people open up more about suicide now than they have before, but they don't talk about attempting suicide. Here is what you should know about suicide and attempting suicide.

Nearly one million people will lose their lives to suicide each year according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) so the Global mortality rate is 16 in every 100,000 or one death every 40 seconds. Although for every suicide there are more attempted suicides, suicide attempts are twenty times more frequent than completed suicides, an earlier suicide attempt is a risk factor for someone to commit suicide.


It has been predicted that by 2020 the rate of suicide will increase to one suicide every twenty seconds.

In the last 45 years, suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide. Suicide is now one of the top three causes of death among those aged 15-44 (both male and females) even though suicide attempts have been traditionally higher in elderly males, rates amongst young people have been raising to such an extent that they are now the group at the highest risk in a third of all countries.

Mental Health disorders (particularly Depression and Substance abuse) are associated with more than 90% of all cases of suicide. However, suicide from many cultural factors and is more likely to happen during socioeconomic, family and individual crisis (for example, death of a loved one, sexual orientation, difficulties in developing their own identity)

But Suicide is not a random act.

Suicide is a symptom of a mental illness. As I said earlier the majority of those who commit suicide have depression or another mood disorder.

More than two-thirds of those who attempt suicide are in the middle of a major depressive episode at the time that they decide to die.

For each person who successfully commits suicide twenty attempt suicide.

Symptoms of Depression
Hopelessness
Persistent feelings of sadness
Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
Thoughts of death or suicide
Changes in weight or appetite
Feeling restless and/or agitated

Warning Signs of Suicide

Threats of suicide

Withdrawal from family and friends

Talking, writing or thinking about suicide

Increased aggression

Reckless behaviour

Gender Differences in Suicide and Depression

Women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression, this is probably because women seek help.

In Males
Less likely to recognise symptoms and seek help
More likely to succeed at suicide
More likely to present irritability, aggression and hostility

In Females

Depression occurs earlier, lasts longer and is likely to recur

More feelings of sadness occur

Suicide attempts are more likely

Scientific Facts
Depression is cyclical
Therapy, medication and lifestyle changes have proven effective in recovering
A friend or loved one of someone who attempts suicide are more likely to become at risk of suicide
It has been estimated that each suicide leaves 6-32 survivors.
Survivors experience deep feelings of guilt, anger, shock, abandonment, denial, shock and helplessness.

What Depression Tells You

"The world is better off without me"

"Nobody cares"

"Nobody would miss you"

"It will always be like this"

"I am and always will be worthless"

Feeling Suicidal? Call these numbers.
If you are in danger call you countries emergency number
The Samaritans: 116 123 (UK) 
PAPYRUS hopeline call 0800 068 41 41 or text 07786 209697

Sources
http://www.befrienders.org/suicide-statistics 
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs398/en/

Photos in this post are not mine unless otherwise stated.