Suicide Awareness Yellow Ribbon Angel

Yellow Suicide Awareness Ribbon Angel Art

In 2010, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death for Americans. That year, someone in the U.S. died by suicide every 13.7 minutes.  At least 90 percent of all people who died by suicide were suffering from a mental illness at the time, most often depression. Among people who are depressed, intense emotional states such as desperation, hopelessness, anxiety, or rage increase the risk of suicide. People who are impulsive, or who use alcohol and drugs, are also at higher risk.

In all age groups in the U.S., about 75 to 80 percent of people who die by suicide are male. However, females account for about 75 percent of all non-fatal suicide attempts. This reflects the more frequent use by males of firearms and other highly lethal suicide methods. Females more frequently make suicide attempts using medications and other poisons, increasing the opportunity to save their lives. As the use of firearms as a suicide method has increased among females in recent years, we are seeing a gradual increase in the percentage of suicide decedents who are female.

Sometimes, even close friends or family members don’t know that their loved one is depressed. People who are depressed don’t always act the way we expect they would. They may not seem sad, tearful, or withdrawn. Men who are depressed may seem angry or irritable rather than sad. Not all people who end their lives are depressed. Some experience anxiety, are abusing drugs or alcohol, or have an eating disorder. For teens, becoming physically aggressive or destructive, or persistently breaking rules, is a risk factor for suicide.

Some suicides appear to be impulsive or spur-of-the-moment, or may follow a very upsetting event. But while we all go through painful experiences, suicide is not a normal response, and only a small percentage of people react by taking their lives. Suicide almost always results from the pain and desperation of a mental illness. When researchers carefully examine suicide deaths through a "psychological autopsy," they often find that the person had been suffering from an unrecognized, untreated mental disorder, like depression or bipolar disorder.

Studies show that people do not start thinking about suicide just because someone asks them about it. If you suspect a friend or loved one is suicidal, tell them that you are worried and want to help them. Don’t be afraid to ask whether they are considering suicide, and if they have a specific plan in mind. Having a plan may indicate that they are farther along and need help right away. Sometimes people who are thinking about suicide won’t tell you so because they don’t want you to stop them. Your direct, non-judgmental questions can encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings. Regardless of their response, if you suspect that the person may be suicidal, get help immediately.

The above information is from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSF).

Let this Yellow Ribbon Angel help bring awareness to Suicide and its prevention.

Read more about suicide on the AFSF website at: http://www.afsp.org/understanding-suicide/frequently-asked-questions

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