Additional information
Suicide Prevention
Suicide is one of leading causes of death in America. In the state of Utah there is an alarming rise in attempts and completed suicides. The state ranked fifth in the nation for suicide in 2017 and it continues to grow quickly among neighbors, classmates and in families each year. Statistics shows that males have the highest rates of suicide and women have the highest rates of unsuccessful attempts. Women have higher rates of mental health compared to men, however males are more impulsive and are a a greater risk for self harm. It is important to recognize some of the symptoms that both adolescents and adults exhibits when they are a risk for suicide. When there is a change in behavior such as
- Noticeable changes in eating or sleeping habits.
- Unexplained or unusually severe, violent, or rebellious behavior.
- Withdrawal from family or friends.
- Sexual promiscuity, truancy, and vandalism.
- Drastic personality change.
- Agitation, restlessness, distress, or panicky behavior.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself;
- Looking for a way to kill oneself;
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose;
- Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain;
- Talking about being a burden to others;
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs;
- Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless;
- Sleeping too little or too much;
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated;
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; and
- Displaying extreme mood swings.
The best treatment to help prevent suicide is talking about the struggles and difficulties that one is experiencing in their environment. It is common for someone to isolate themselves when they have negative thoughts and perceptions. Please if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms listed above seek help from a suicide hot-line or seek professional help and remove guns or pills in the home to prevent suicide attempt.
