RISK FACTORS AND WARNING SIGNS

SUICIDE PREVENTION

TRAINING

• Shasta County averages approximately 38 suicide deaths per year

• Adults over the age of 65 have the highest rate of suicide death in Shasta County

• Men have a much higher rate of suicide death than females, as they are more likely to use a firearm

• Suicide rates tend to be higher is rural areas, such as Shasta County, where the rate of suicide is roughly twice the rate of California

• Approximately half of Shasta County suicide deaths are a result of the use of firearms

• From 200 to 2009, 96.6% of the Shasta County residents who died by suicide were Caucasian individuals

SUICIDE STATISTICS IN SHASTA COUNTY

An average of 315 nonfatal suicide attempts per year resulting in emergency rooms visits

An average of 132 suicide attempts per year resulting in hospitalization

Successful suicide methods: 49% by firearm; 26% by hanging/suffocation; 19% by poisoning; 3% cutting/piercing; 3% other

Nonfatal suicide methods: 67% poisoning; 24% cutting/piercing; 6% other; 2% hanging/suffocating; 1% firearm

SUICIDE STATISTICS IN SHASTA COUNTY

Mental Disorders-Depression or Bi-Polar-Alcohol or Substance Abuse or Dependence- Schizophrenia- Conduct Disorder-Anxiety Disorder- Borderline or Antisocial Personality Disorder- Impulsivity and Aggression

Previous suicide attemptFamily history of attempted or successful suicideSerious medical condition and/or pain

FREQUENTLY CITED RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE

Highly stressful life event (losing a loved one, financial loss, or trouble with the law)

Prolonged stress due to adversities (unemployment, relationship conflict, harassment, or bullying)

Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensational accounts of suicide (contagion)

Access to lethal methods of suicide during a time of increased risk

Exposure to extreme or prolonged environmental stress can lead to depression, anxiety, and other disorders that in turn, can increase risk for suicide

ENVIRONMENAL FACTORS THAT INCREASE SUICIDE

RISK

Receiving effective mental health carePositive connections to family, peers,

community, and social institutions such as marriage and religion (foster resilience)

The skills and ability to solve problemsProtective factors may reduce suicide risk by

helping people cope with negative life eventsThe ability to cope reduces the chance that a

person will become overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious.

Protective factors do not entirely remove risk

PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR SUICIDE

In contrast to longer term risk and protective factors, warning signs are indicators of more acute suicide risk

People who die by suicide usually show some indication of immediate risk before their deaths

Recognizing the warning signs for suicide can help us to intervene to save a life

Individuals who show warning signs should be evaluated for possible suicide risk by a medical doctor or mental health professional

WARNING SIGNS FOR SUICIDE

Talking about wanting to kill themselves, they wish they were dead Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as hoarding medicine or

buying a gun Talking about a specific suicide plan Feeling hopeless or having no reason to live Feeling trapped, desperate, or needing to escape form an intolerable

situation Having the feeling of being a burden to other Feeling humiliated Having intense anxiety and/or panic attacks Losing interest in things, or losing the ability to experience pleasure Insomnia Socially isolative and withdrawn Acting irritable or agitated Showing rage, or talking about seeking revenge for being victimized or

rejected, whether or not the situations the person describes seem real

WARNING SIGNS FOR SUICIDE

Take it seriously: 50-75% of all people who attempt suicide tell someone about their intention

Ask questions Tell the person you are concerned about them

and that you feel concerned about suicide. Ask if they have considered suicide and whether

they have a plan or method in mind. Ask if they are seeing a clinician or taking

medications Do not try to argue someone out of suicide. Let

them know you care, that they are not alone and that

they can get help. Avoid pleading and preaching

WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE MAY BE AT RISK FOR SUICIDE

Encourage professional help

Actively encourage the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately

People contemplating suicide often believe they cannot be helped. If you can, assist them to identify a professional and schedule an appointment, If they will let you, go to the appointment with them

WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE MAY BE AT RISK FOR SUICIDE

Take action If the person is threatening, talking about, or

making specific plans for suicide, this is a crisis situation requiring immediate attention. DO NOT LEAVE THE PERSON ALONE

Remove any firearms, drugs, or sharp objects from the area that could be used for suicide

Take the person to a walk-in clinic at a psychiatric hospital or a hospital emergency room

If these options are not available, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273- TALK for assistance

WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE MAY BE AT RISK FOR SUICIDE

Follow-up on treatment The suicidal person may need your support to

continue with treatment after the first session If medication is prescribed, support the person to

take it exactly as prescribed. Be aware of possible side effects, and notify the person who prescribed the medicine if the suicidal person seems to be getting worse, or resists taking the medicine. The doctor can often adjust the medications or dosage to work better for them

Help the person understand that it may take time and persistence to find the right medication and the right therapist. Offer your encouragement and support throughout the process, until the suicidal crisis has passed

WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE MAY BE AT RISK FOR SUICIDE