SUICIDE PREVENTION

RISK FACTORS ?

WARNING SIGNS ?

WHAT CAN WE LEARN?

#1 People who talk about suicide don’t do it.

FALSE

80% people who have completed suicide talk about it or give some

clues or signals

QUIZ

#2 Those who attempt suicide but don’t die are unlikely to try again.

FALSE

Average of 8 to 20 attempts prior to completed suicide

QUIZ

#3 Uncompleted attempts at suicide are only a means of getting attention and should not be taken seriously.

FALSE

If someone is dying for attention they need it!

QUIZ

#4 Nearly all who commit suicide leave a note.

FALSE

1 in 3 people who complete suicide leave a note

QUIZ

#5 Most people who are suicidal really want to die.

FALSE

7 out of 10 teens attempt at home while a parent is in the house

QUIZ

#6 Talking about suicide will increase the possibility of someone

doing it.

FALSE

Talking about suicidal thoughts decreases isolation, and can address symptoms of

depression

Buys time to get the person help

QUIZ

#7All people who are suicidal are deeply depressed.

FALSE

Related, but not across the board

Some seem happier than ever

QUIZ

#8 When a depressed person improves, there is no longer any

danger of suicide.

FALSE

60-90 days after hitting bottom is critical time frame

QUIZ

#9 A person who is suicidal rarely seeks medical attention.

FALSE

75% of those who complete a suicide have seen their doctor within a few

months of taking their lives

QUIZ

#10 A completed suicide of a person in counseling is a sign that therapy

does not work.

FALSE

95% of those who commit suicide are not receiving therapy

QUIZ

Females attempt 3 times more often than males

Males complete suicide 4 times often more than females

STATISTICS

REGIONS

Pacific/West Coast

Rocky Mountains

Mid West East Coast

Utah's suicide rate has been consistently higher than the U.S. rate for the last decade.

 In addition, Utah has the:

11th highest young adult (ages 18-24) suicide rate in the U.S.

17th highest teen (ages 10-17) suicide rate in the U.S.

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for Utah youth ages 10-17 and Utah young adults ages 18-24. 

RATES IN THE NATION

TEENS YOUNG ADULTS

ADULTS ELDERLY

POPULATION

• Utah’s consistently high youth suicide rate prompted the development of the “Utah Youth Suicide Study” Results showed:

• 89% of the suicide decedents were male.• Referral to Juvenile Court was a risk factor

for completedsuicide, with 63% of suicide decedents

having had contact with the juvenile courts.

UTAH YOUTH SUICIDE STUDY

SEASONS

WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL

Suicidal threatsPrevious suicide attemptsAlcohol and drug abuse

Statements revealing a desire to dieSudden changes in behavior

Prolonged depressionMaking final arrangements

Giving away prized possessionsPurchasing a gun or stockpiling pills

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE

Ask a question, save a life.

Q Question the person about the suicide. Do they have thoughts? Feelings? Plans? Don’t be afraid to ask.

P Persuade the person to get help. Listen carefully…then say “Let me help.” Or, “Come with me

to get help.”

R Refer for help. If a child or adolescent, contact the parent first.

QUESTION PERSUADE REFER

• Family connectedness and school connectedness (Kaminski et al, J Youth Adol, 2010)

• Reduced access to firearms (Grossman et al., JAMA, 2005)

• Safe Schools (Eisenberg et al., J PED, 2007)

• Academic Achievement (Borowsky et al., Pediatrics, 2001)

• Self-esteem (Sharaf e al., JCAPN, 2009)

PROTECTIVE FACTORS

Realize someone might be suicidal.Reach out. Asking the question DOES NOT increase risk.Listen. Talking things out can save a life.Don’t try to do everything yourself. Get others involvedDon’t promise secrecy and don’t worry about being disloyal.If persuasion fails, call your mental health center. Local hotline, or emergency services.

TO SAVE A LIFE…

- National Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-TALK (1-

800-273-8255)

Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

(www.hopeline.com)

UNI Crisis Line 801-587-3000 (mobile crisis outreach available)

Highland Ridge Hospital Helpline: 1-800-821-4357

CRISIS HOTLINES

American Association of Suicidology resources

Warning Signs of Suicide at http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/state-and-tools/suicide-warning-signs

Risk Factors for Suicide and other suicide prevention fact sheets at

http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/state-and-tools/suicide-fact-sheets

National Center for the prevention of Youth Suicide

http://www.preventyouthsuicide.org

REFERENCES