It's that time of the year again when kids are back to school or even going away to college. It is easy to get caught up in the busy routine of everyday life and miss important warning signs of depression which can lead to suicide. A person dies by their own hand every 17 minutes in this country. It is the third leading cause of death among youth. It is often hard to determine what is typical teenage behavior and what could be depression. Youth are not the only ones that could be suffering from depression. The demographic with the highest death rate for suicide is middle aged men between 35-44. It is known while females attempt suicide more than males, males are more likely to die by suicide. Here are some warning signs to look for in a loved one or yourself: hopelessness, unrelenting depressed mood, sleep disturbance, pessimism, isolation, increased alcohol/drug use, impulsiveness/taking unnecessary risks, talking or writing about death, expressing a wish to die, making a plan (giving away possessions, impulsively buying a firearm or obtaining other methods such as medications or poisons) and unexpected anger.
Be willing to listen and not afraid to ask someone if they are thinking about suicide. 50-75% of people who commit suicide give a warning to a friend or family member. If someone you know is talking about death or suicide take it seriously. Take them to an emergency room if there is immediate risk or call 911. Seek mental health treatment for the person and go with them to the appointment. Let them know they are not alone and their feelings are temporary and can be treated. Avoid telling them they have so much to live for or their suicide would hurt others. Don't be afraid to ask for help. You and your loved ones are not alone. Contact: The Mental Health Association, 914-995-HELP, Spanish speaking staff are available. The Department of Community Mental Health Westchester , 914-345-5900. The Suicide Prevention Hotline, 914-347-6400 or look on our website www.afsp.org Come to our OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK to prevent suicide and/or remember a loved one on OCTOBER 25, 2009 at CROTON POINT PARK,
9am Registration
10am-Walk.
Lindsey Smith
MSW Social Worker in Mental Health
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