According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, more than 33,000 people in the U.S. commit suicide every year. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adults between the ages of 18 and 65. A person commits suicide every 16 minutes in the U.S., while every minute another person attempts suicide.
‘‘Suicide is a clear and present danger in our society,” said Lt. Kevin Miller, a member of the clinical psychology staff at the National Naval Medical Center. ‘‘A suicide attempt is an indication that something is desperately wrong in a person’s life. Suicidal tendencies don’t target a certain age, race or gender. It doesn’t matter how rich or how poor an individual is when it comes to the possibility of suicide.
‘‘While suicide does occur among every demographic, it is much more frequent in particular demographics. Among white people, suicide occurs at a higher rate, particularly among young males. Females make more suicide attempts, but males make more suicide completions,” Miller said.
‘‘Suicides within the military are on the rise,” said Miller. ‘‘Suicide has traditionally been less frequent within military populations versus the general population; however, it currently has risen to levels comparable to the general population.”
There are a number of aspects of military life that are conducive to suicide including access to weapons, exposure to traumatic events and occupational stressors, said Miller.
‘‘While people who commit suicide are more likely to have a mental or emotional disorder than not, many just have more pain than they have coping mechanisms,” said Miller.
‘‘Suicides occur in every month of the year and in all seasons,” said Larry Grubb, a staff psychiatrist at NNMC. ‘‘It is probably best to think of suicide as knowing no season.”
Grubb said risk is possible at all times and increases when people are not prepared to observe and note the signs of suicide in others. He said there are usually warning signs that someone may commit suicide that include:
Change in Personality
Changes in Behavior
Changes in Sleeping Patterns
Changes in Eating Habits
Diminished Sexual Interest
Fear of Losing Control
Low Self Esteem
No Hope for the Future
‘‘Other things to watch for are suicidal impulses, statements, or plans; giving away favorite things; previous suicide attempts; substance abuse; making out wills; arranging for the care of pets; extravagant spending; agitation; hyperactivity; restlessness or lethargy,” he said.
Grubb said if someone sees these warning signs, it’s important to connect with them, listen to them and understand. You should express your concerns for their well-being and urge them to get help.
‘‘One of the worst things for a person contemplating suicide is feeling that no one understands or cares about him or her,” Grubb said. ‘‘You don’t have to know all the answers, just be there, let them know you care and that they’re not alone.”
If you or anyone you know is contemplating suicide, there are some resource numbers you can call: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-TALK (8255); National Hope Line Network: 1-800-SUICIDE; and Military One Source: 1-800-342-9647. Anyone who feels they want to hurt themselves in any way should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
E-Mail This Article
Print This Story