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World suicide prevention day
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World Suicide Prevention Day is today, September 10. It is a call to governments worldwide to expand awareness of suicide and the measures to prevent it. National Suicide Prevention Week runs September 6-12.
Globally, there is a suicide every 40 seconds. In the U.S. Someone takes their own life every 16 minutes. Guns provide the most common means for suicide. 
Risk factors for suicide include mental illness, substance abuse, hopelessness, major loss such as a death or loss of a job, previous suicide attempts, and especially for teens and young adults the exposure to the suicide of a friend or peer.
In the current trying financial times, fighting the feelings of hopelessness and the urge to take one’s own life can be very challenging. Support from friends and family can make all the difference especially if there is open communication or the recognition of signs of trouble. No one should ever keeps thoughts of suicide to themself. Things are usually never as difficult as they look at first glance, and depression and suicidal ideations can be treated.
Obvious changes such as talking about dying or suicide, changes in behavior, loss of concentration, overcome by sadness, withdrawing, apathetic can all signal a risk for suicide.
Other changes such as the inability to sleep or sleeping most of the tie, loss of appetite, sudden or increased substance abuse, loss of interest in things that usually bring pleasure to his/her life, a fear of losing control, and having no hope for the future can be other signs.
In anyone who has experienced a recent loss such as through death, divorce, separation or the loss of a job, money, status may be overcome by sadness, depression and a sense of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide can become very real.
Children, teens or young adults who have lost a peer or friend to suicide are much more likely to attempt or succeed at suicide than others. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds.
Any reference to suicide should always be taken seriously and seek the help of a qualified mental health professional. Suicide and depression are treatable mental disorders. They should not be ignored. The risk is real, and becomes even more so if the person has a plan and access to the means to carry out the plan.
Call the national suicide hotline for assistance 24/7. (800) 273-TALK or (800) 273-8255.
photo: Cathy Kaplan/stock.xchng.com
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