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H E A L T H Help prevent suicide: involvement and support World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10 Most suicidal individuals do not want to die; they just want to end the pain they are experiencing, according to experts cited by the American Association of Suicidology. Suicidal crises tend to be brief, these experts note, and when suici- dal behaviors are detected early, lives can be saved. Saving lives that could be lost to sur- cide is the focus of Suicide Prevention Weck, September 4 to 10, sponsored by the American Association of Suicidology, a professional organization that works to understand and prevent suicide. Suicide Prevention Week is observed in September to synchronize with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, hosted by the Intemational Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). Suicide is an international prob- lem, claiming approximately 1 million lives worldwide each year, or one surcide every 40 seconds. Surcrtde and surcidal behavior impact individuals of all ages, genders, races and religious groups across the planet. Risk factors are essentially the same from country to country and include mental ill- ness. substance abuse,. hopelessness. access to lethal means of lulling oneself. recent loss of loved ones and unemploy- ment. Factor offenng protection from suicide are also the same worldwide and include high self-esteem, staying connect- ed socially to others, supportive family and friends, and problem-solving skills. Teens and elderly have particularly high rates In the United States, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death, with a rate of 11 suicides per 100,000 and one suicide occurring every 17 minutes, according to data from 2002, the most recent year for which such statistics are available. Among the states, New York and New Jersey have the lowest suicide rate, 6.4 per 100,000. (Wyoming has the highest state rate, 21.1 percent per 100,000.) The suicide rate in this country is high- er for those over 65 than for any other age group. The elderly make up 12.3 percent of the populauon, but 17.5 percent of all surcides. Suicrde is the third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year olds. ranking behind only accidents and homicides. Research has shown that most adolescent suicides oceur after school hours and in the teen's home. Warning signs and clues The stigma associated with mental i1}- ness and surcide often discourages people at skh for surmide from seeking hte-sav ing help. Research shows that most individu- als who are surerdal often display clues and waming signs. although others may be unaware of the significance of these warnings or not know how to respond to them. People considenng suicide may exhib- 1t or express the following warming signs: * Hopelessness, feeling that there is no reason to go on hving or no purpose in life * Rage. uncontrolled anger or secking revenge * Acting recklessly or engaging in misky activities, seemingly without thinking * Feeling trapped with no way out * Increased use of alcohol or drugs * Withdrawal from friends, family and society * Anxiety, agitatuon, inahility to sleep or sleeping too much * Dramatic mood changes Any of these warning signs warrant a professional evaluation. Contact a phys- cian or call the Amencan Association of Sucrdolgy at (800) 273-TALK (8255). Other professionals who could offer help include school counselors, relhgious/spin- tual leaders. and staff at community men tal health agencies and suicide prevention/ crisis intervention centers Be part of the solution You can help prevent suscide by leam ing the warning signs outhned and by | following - these- recommendations adapted trom the American Association of Surcidology and presented here by the Medical Society of the State af New York * Get involved Be available and show interest and support * Ash outnght if you think a person as thinking about < Be direct Talk openly and freely about sumide + Be walling to listen and accept expressions of feclhngs Are you tired of DRY EYE eatable Disease. 4g «I~ oaw-tkeo af fft | o[ Lut UFE wvr-nta o Grrthness * Poor Vision o Péin * Difficulty Reading orfinmiic cdusumnhts or Lone Isms- Setting the Standard in Eye Care Suicide and suicidal behavior impact individuals of all ages, genders, races and religious groups across the planet. * Be nonjudgmental and do not lecture on the value of life. * Do not dare a person to commut sur- cide. * Do not ask why That only encour ages defensiveness. * Offer empathy. not sympathy * Do not act shocked. That creates dis- tance. * Do nut be sworn to secrecy, hut sech support * Offer hope that alternatives are ay ail able * Take action by removing means of surcide and getung help tor those at msk Bor additional intormation - about surcide. visit the website at w waw sued dology org [us information is provided by the Medical Society of the State of New York «MSSNYi Por more health lat ed information and referrals to phys clans in your communtty . contact yeu local county medial soctery at N*l 1400 (phones - SS1 1212 tus msG@ aol com Afu e John Wittpenn, MD - Jack Oats, MD 71 -.66-SEE-OCLI 1-866-733-6254 wwwocfinet wwaongsimdeyeoom
