Suicide. It's a subject that is all too often looked over and ignored. This is mainly because suicide is a very touchy subject, and American society tends to try their best to avoid discussing such sad topics. However hard to talk about suicide may be, it still has to be done. That is why the
International Association for Suicide Prevention teamed up with the
World Health Organization and the
World Federation for Mental Health to found what is known as World Suicide Prevention Day. This day is recognized in over forty countries throughout the world on September 10th of every year. The week surrounding September 10th is known as National Suicide Prevention Week, a week in which many organizations, schools, and other institutions bring awareness to the world about this horrible act.
According to a 2010 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 36,000 people commit suicide in the United States every year. By those statistics, someone in the United States commits suicide every fifteen minutes, and about 80 people a day. The World Health Organization has estimated that over 900,000 suicides are committed each year worldwide. Because of this high number, suicide ranks as one of the three major causes of death in the age group 15-44 worldwide. That is 900,000 too many lives being taken each year, when it can be prevented. With this many people committing suicide, most of you probably know at least one person in your life who has committed suicide, self-harms, or has openly discussed or showed signs of being suicidal.
Many people who commit suicide give warning or show signs before doing so, but they are often shunned. American society believes that anyone who openly speaks about suicide are nothing more than "attention-seekers" and do not have the "guts" to do such a thing. This is far from the truth. Think of it this way, if someone honestly wanted to kill themselves, do you think they would tell someone and risk being stopped? Of course not! When someone shows obvious signs of suicidal behavior, or just comes out and says it, they are not seeking attention, but rather asking for help. Throughout my life, I have dealt with three people very close to me go through such thoughts, and every one of them made it completely obvious that they wanted help. So, next time someone says they want to kill themselves, don't just shrug it off. Help them!
Although not all suicides can be prevented, most of them can by taking several precautions at personal, community, and national levels. These precautions include:
- Reducing access to pesticides, medications, and weapons.
- Treating people with mental disabilities.
- Following-up people who made past suicide attempts.
- Just being there.
If you know or suspect someone who has a history of, or is currently suicidal or depressed, please help them. It is important to know that you can not and should not take the situation into your own hands. The best way to deal with the situation is to tell an adult who can get further help for that person. If you suspect someone may commit suicide, it is crucial that you call an ambulance and anyone who can immediately be of assistance. If you are suicidal yourself, remember that you are not alone and you can be helped!
