Suicide Prevention

Do Not Ignore

“I Wish I Were Dead”

“I Wish I Was Never Born”

Have you heard these words?

Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the US. For 5-14 year olds, it’s the 3rd leading cause of death. Yes! The 3^rd leading cause of death of our children ages 5-14!!!  For adolescents (15-24 years old), it’s even worse (2nd leading cause of death). 

Why do our children feel hopeless?

Children and adolescents can experience strong feeling of stress and confusion in today’s world.  Self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty and other fears can threaten their well-being.  Divorce, the formation of a new family with step-parents and step-siblings, or moving to a new community can be very unsettling and can intensify self-doubts.  Suicide may appear to be the only solution to their problems.

The warning signs of suicide are especially noteworthy when there has been a recent death or suicide of a friend or family member, a recent break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, conflict with parents, or news reports of other suicides by young people in the same school or community.

Warning signs:

• Change in eating and sleeping habits.
• Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities.
• Violent actions, rebellious behavior, or running away.
• Drug and alcohol use.
• Unusual neglect of personal appearance.
• Marked personality change.
• Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork.
• Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities.
• Not tolerating praise or rewards or complaining of being a bad person or feeling rotten inside.
• Gives verbal hints: “I won’t be a problem for you much longer”; “Nothing matters”; “It’s no use”; and “I won’t see you again.”
• Puts his or her affairs in order (gives away favorite possessions, throws away important belongings).
• Becomes suddenly cheerful after a period of depression.

With Help Comes Hope!

You can help!  Show them you care.  Ask questions:  “I’m worried about you, about how you feel”; “You mean a lot to me. I want to help”; “I am here to talk whenever you need to”; “Are you thinking about suicide?”; “Do you really want to die?”; “Do you want your problems to go away?”

Don’t hesitate to raise the subject! Talking about suicide won’t put the idea in their head.  Chances are, if you’ve observed any of the warning signs, they’re already thinking about it.  Be direct in a caring, non-confrontational way.  Get the conversation started.  Seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional.

IF A PERSON SAYS THEY ARE CONSIDERING SUICIDE:

• Take the person seriously
• Stay with them
• Help them remove lethal means (e.g., secure all firearms, drugs, medications).
• Contact a mental health professional (see attachment for additional support services in the area).
• Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
• Text HOME to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line for free, available 24/7
• Chat online:www.988lifeline.org/chat/
• Escort them to mental health services or an emergency room. 

If they refuse to go, contact the police and ask for a health and welfare check.  Tell them your concerns.  If they determine them to be at risk, they will admit them to a facility (e.g. hospital) for stabilization regardless of income or insurance.

IF A SUICIDE ATTEMPT HAS OCCURRED,

 CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY OR

GO TO A NEARBY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM.

The information in this article came from a variety of sources, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mayo Clinic, American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, American Association of Suicidology, and the Family and Youth Services Bureau-Valparaiso, IN.  The information was compiled by Suzann Klett, a member of the Westville United Methodist Church Outreach Committee which is committed to loving and serving the community.  The Westville United Methodist Church located at 154 W Main St, Westville, Indiana 46391.