Suicide Facts

·         What is Myth and What is Fact:

o   Suicide in Utah is the second leading cause of death among males ages 10-44. More females attempt suicide but males use a more lethal means and are more likely to “complete” the suicide attempt.

o   Confronting a person directly about suicide does not increase the risk of suicide but actually will lower their anxiety, provide communication, and lower the risk of suicide.

·         What to Look For:

o   Signs of depression: hopeless, no motivation or joy, change in appetite and sleeping, low self-esteem and anxiety

o   A loss of any kind: breakup with girlfriend/boyfriend, job, family, friends

o   Drastic change in behavior: Withdrawn, declining grades change in appearance, drug and alcohol abuse, talking about death or wanting to kill themselves.

·         What You Can Do:

o   If you are worried about a friend who is acting differently or saying things like, “I am worthless. “The world is better off without me” or they start to give away precious personal items you should ask them: “Have you been very unhappy lately? Have you been so unhappy that you’ve been thinking of ending your life?”

o   Listen and say, “Will you go with me to get help?” Get a commitment from them to accept help. Be persistent and report their name immediately to a counselor or administration if they will not go with you to get help.

o   Resources: Counselors, Administration, Parents, Suicide Hotlines (You can have students put the phone numbers in their phone during the discussion.)