Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in America with 32,000 deaths each year. On average, one American takes his or her own life every 16 minutes. Tragically, approximately 15 percent of people living with depression end their lives by committing suicide. And for each suicide, there are an estimated 25 attempted suicides.

As overwhelming as these numbers may be, the true tragedy is the devastatingly painful emotional state—often caused by depression— that can lead a person to consider, and ultimately, attempt suicide. You may be able to help prevent the loss of life of someone you know or love by recognizing the warning signs.

Signs of Suicide

Most suicides are preventable. The main step in prevention is to recognize the many warning signs:

Withdrawing and isolating oneself from family and peers
Using alcohol and drugs
Declining level of performance at work or school
Increasing levels of irritability
Expressing feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
Giving away possessions
Talking about suicide
Sleeping pattern or eating habit changes

Suicide doesn’t have just one victim. Typically, one suicide intimately affects at least six other people. The pain and suffering of suicide resonates deeply in the family and friends of the deceased. If you suspect that a friend or loved one is thinking about suicide, talk to him or her about the noticeable behavior changes and express your concern. Depression is a treatable condition that can be overcome by using the behavioral health care benefits available through TRICARE. If you think he or she requires emergency behavioral health care assistance, call 911 or proceed directly to the nearest emergency room.

Excerpted from an article by John McKinsey, M.D., © 1999 University of Florida Brain Institute.

Suicide Myths and Facts

Myth: People commit suicide “out of the blue.”
Fact: In most cases, there are numerous signs and symptoms, which unfortunately are often overlooked or attributed to another cause.

Myth: People who threaten suicide never actually do it.
Fact: Sixty percent of people who committed suicide told someone else of their intentions.

Myth: Talking with someone about suicide will encourage the behavior.
Fact: Research has shown that talking to someone about suicide does not encourage suicidal behavior. In fact, it may help identify issues that will increase the chance of the person seeking treatment.

Source: AchieveSolutions®, ValueOptions, Inc., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Department of Health and Human Services, 2005.

Created: April 3, 2008