WISCONSIN UNITED
for MENTAL HEALTH

MONTHLY FEATURE OCTOBER 2010
"Mission: to reduce the number of suicides that take place in our state each year. To accomplish this, we will increase public awareness of suicide and mental illness, the warnings signs of those who might be in crisis, and methods for suicide prevention through education, information and collaboration with all who are affected by suicide and mental illness - which is our entire state." --  www.preventsuicidewi.org


MONTHLY FEATURE SEPTEMBER 2010

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about one million people die by suicide every year; this represents a “global” mortality rate of 16 per 100,000, or one death every 40 seconds.

Successful approaches to suicide prevention have included:

1. restricting access to means;
2. establishing community prevention programs;
3. establishing guidelines for media reporting;
4. engaging with frontline professionals through gate keeper training programs.

Source: International Association of Suicide Prevention

Reporting on Suicide: Recommendations for the Media

Example of a Gatekeeper program: QPR

• Learn more about QPR from HOPES

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MONTHLY FEATURE SEPTEMBER 2008

Suicide Prevention Awareness Week
September 7-13, 2008

Please visit our calendar to see the numerous suicide prevention trainings occurring in Wisconsin this month, including the

If you are interested in promoting this week in your organization, visit the American Association of Suicidology.

Suicide Prevention for all Educators, a webcast produced by the Wisconsin Department of Instruction, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services in conjunction other organizations.

Burden of Suicide in Wisconsin Press Release
Burden of Suicide in Wisconsin Report

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MONTHLY FEATURE AUGUST 2008

The stigma associated with mental illnesses has lessened some in recent years, but the stigma associated with suicide and and its survivors remains strong. 

References
Cvinar, J.G. (Jan-Mar, 2005). Do suicide survivors suffer social stigma: a review of the literature.  Perspectives in Psychiatric Care. 41(1):14-21.

Howard Sudak, M.D., Karen Maxim, M.S., R.N. & Maryellen Carpenter. (April 2008). Suicide and Stigma: A Review of the Literature and Personal Reflections. Academic Psychiatry, 32:136-142.

Upcoming Suicide Prevention Conferences:

• Suicide Prevention Summit II: How to Save a Life
• Suicide Prevention 2008 Summit: Changing Attitudes, Saving Lives

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MONTHLY FEATURE: NOVEMBER 2007:
November 11 is Veterans Day. How timely that just weeks ago the U.S. House and Senate passed a bill that will address the high rate of suicide in our Veterans. The Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act calls for increased screening and treatment programs, as well as education for staff, veterans and their families. Peer counseling, hotlines and additional research are addressed as well.

For more information from WUMH: Mental Health Issues of Military Personnel

This November, NAMI launched its Veterans Resource Center, an online portal to mental health resources for America's veterans, active duty service members, and their families.

To learn more about Bill H.R. 327 visit The Library of Congress's website or "VA Told to Establish Multiple Suicide Prevention Programs," an article by Psychiatric News.


MONTHLY FEATURE: SEPTEMBER 2007
September 9-15 was National Suicide Prevention Week, and organizations throughout the country are working to help people understand long-term risk factors and how to deal with a suicidal crisis.

Most of us can name the leading causes of death in the US. In fact, if you want to know more about how people are dying in your state, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can provide you with national and regional "top ten" lists. What most people don't know is that suicide is number 11.

In the United States, twice as many people die by suicide than by homicide. More than 31,000 Americans kill themselves each year. That's 89 suicides every day; one every 16 minutes.

Suicide Risk Factors
Some factors might make people more likely to commit suicide. Mental illness, access to lethal means, recent loss of loved ones, hopelessness, and unemployment are just a few examples of risk factors. Others include:

• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• History of depression or other mental illness
• Alcohol or drug abuse (The National Violent Death Reporting System examined toxicology tests of those who committed suicide in 13 states: 33.3% tested positive for alcohol; 16.4% for opiates; 9.4% for cocaine; 7.7% for marijuana; and 3.9% for amphetamines).
• Family history of suicide or violence
• Physical illness
• Feeling alone

Protective factors - those that buffer against suicidal behaviors - include high self-esteem, social connectedness, problem-solving skills, and supportive family and friends.

Suicide Warning Signs
If you know someone who you think could be suicidal, do not leave him or her alone. Stay with them or stay in touch.

Listen to them with sincere concern for their feelings. Do not offer advice, but let them know that they are not alone.

Tell them how you feel. If you think that they might make a reckless decision, tell them that you are concerned. They need to know that they are important to you and that you care.

In a straightforward and caring manner, ask if they have had suicidal thoughts or if they have made a suicide plan. If you feel you cannot ask the question, find someone who can.

Try to get the person to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911 contacting a mental health professional, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

If you or someone you know exhibits any of the following suicide warning signs, seek help as soon as possible:

• Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
• Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
• Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities-seemingly without thinking
• Feeling trapped-like there's no way out
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
• Feeling anxious or agitated, being unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time
• Experiencing dramatic mood changes
• Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life

If it is safe for you, eliminate access to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including unsupervised access to medications.

Warning signs can include changes in a person's mood, diet, or sleeping pattern. The American Association of Suicidology has detailed information on what to look for and how to respond.

Left Behind
The CDC estimates that more than 5 million people in the United States have been directly affected by a suicide. Family and friends of people who commit suicide are left devastated. They may feel shock, anger, guilt, and depression. It's very important that people understand that no one is responsible for the suicide of another.

More people survive suicide attempts than actually die. For each completed act of suicide, there are 25 attempted suicides. More than 425,000 people with self-inflicted injuries are treated in emergency rooms each year; people who attempt suicide and survive may have serious traumas like broken bones, or lifelong injuries such as brain damage or organ failure.

Prevention
Many people feel uncomfortable talking about suicide, but being aware of risk factors and warning signs might give us time to get help for someone who is considering taking the final step.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service for people who feel like they have nowhere to turn.
Call to speak with someone who cares.
Call if you feel you might be in danger of hurting yourself.
Call to find referrals to mental health services in your area.
Call to speak to a crisis worker about someone you're concerned about.

If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255) the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Its mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. The service is free and confidential, and someone will be available to talk to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call for yourself, or someone you care about.

Suicidal crises are often brief. Experts believe that most suicidal individuals do not want to die; they just want to end the pain they are experiencing.

When suicidal behaviors are detected and managed, lives can be saved.


A series of thoughtful articles called "Griefwords" on the Froedtert Hospital website, found under "Health Resources," provide guidance and direction for anyone touched by grief.

This article includes information from the US Department of Health and Human Services/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Institute for Mental Health.

Article Created: 2007-08-22
Article Updated: 2007-08-22