Romancing the Dark in the City of Light (30 page)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

If you are feeling suicidal or believe that someone you care about is, call the number above.

The Trevor Helpline is a 24-hour suicide prevention line aimed at gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning teens.

1-866-4-U-TREVOR

http://www.helpguide.org/index.htm

http://www.sptsusa.org/ Society to Prevent Teen Suicide

http://www.apa.org/research/action/suicide.aspx American Psychological Association

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-a-major-preventable-mental-health-problem-fact-sheet/suicide-a-major-preventable-mental-health-problem.shtml National Institute of Mental Health

FACTS ABOUT SUICIDE AND SUICIDE PREVENTION AMONG TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS

From the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Some common questions and answers about suicide:

Q: How common is suicide in children and teens?

A: In 2009, suicide was the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15–24. In this age group, suicide accounted for 14.4 percent of all deaths.

While these numbers may make suicide seem common, it is important to realize that suicide and suicidal are not healthy or typical responses to stress.

Q: What are some of the risk factors for suicide?

A: Risk factors vary with age, gender, or ethnic group. They may occur in combination or change over time. Some important risk factors are:

Depression and other mental disorders

Substance abuse disorder (often in combination with other mental disorders)

Prior suicide attempt

Family history of suicide

Family violence including physical or sexual abuse

Firearms in the home

Incarceration

Exposure to suicidal behavior of others, such as family members or peers.

However, it is important to note that many people who have these risk factors are not suicidal.

Q: What are signs to look for?

A: The following are some of the signs you might notice in yourself or a friend that may be reason for concern.

Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself

Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun

Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

Talking about being a burden to others

Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

Sleeping too little or too much

Withdrawing or feeling isolated

Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

Displaying extreme mood swings.

Seeking help is a sign of strength; if you are concerned, go with your instincts and get help!

Q: What can I do for myself or someone else?

A: If you are concerned, immediate action is very important. Suicide can be prevented and most people who feel suicidal demonstrate warning signs. Recognizing some of these warning signs is the first step in helping yourself or someone you care about.

If you are in crisis and need help: call this toll-free number, available 24-hours a day, every day
1-800-273-TALK (8255).
You will reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a service available to anyone. You may call for yourself or for someone you care about and all calls are confidential. You can also visit the Lifeline’s Web site at
http://www. suicidepreventionlifeline.org
.

For more information on suicide visit the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus
http://medlineplus.gov
En Espa
ñ
ol
http://medlineplus.gov/spanish

For information on clinical trials, go to the National Library of Medicine’s clinical trials database at
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
.

Information from NIMH is available in multiple formats. You can browse online, download documents in PDF, and order materials through the mail. Check the NIMH Web site at
http://www.nimh.nih.gov
for the latest information on this topic and to order publications. If you do not have Internet access, please contact the NIMH Information Resource Center at the numbers listed below.

National Institute of Mental Health

Office of Science Policy, Planning and Communications Science Writing, Press and Dissemination Branch 6001 Executive Boulevard Room 6200, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 Phone: 301-443-4513 or 1-866-615-NIMH (6464) toll-free TTY: 301-443-8431 or 1-866-415-8051 toll-free FAX: 301-443-4279 E-mail:
[email protected]
Web site:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov