National Suicide Prevention Week

The 40th Annual National Suicide Prevention Week is taking place  this week, the week of 8-14 September.  National Suicide Prevention Week is set aside as a time to focus on the serious health challenge that suicide is and to promote awareness that suicide is a public health problem that is preventable. This year’s theme is “Suicide Prevention: One World Connected.”

In 2011, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 39,518 deaths. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds. An estimated 12 to 25 attempted suicides occur per every suicide death.

Suicidal behavior is complex. Some risk factors vary with age, gender, or ethnic group and may occur in combination or change over time.

Research shows that risk factors for suicide include:

• depression and other mental disorders, or a substance-abuse disorder (often in combination with other mental disorders),
• prior suicide attempt,
• family history of mental disorder or substance abuse,
• family history of suicide,
• family violence, including physical or sexual abuse,
• firearms in the home (the method used in more than half of suicides),
• incarceration,
• exposure to the suicidal behavior of others, such as family members, peers, or media figures.

However, suicide and suicidal behavior are not normal responses to stress; many people have these risk factors, but are not suicidal. Research also shows that the risk for suicide is associated with changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, including serotonin. Decreased levels of serotonin have been found in people with depression, impulsive disorders, and a history of suicide attempts, and in the brains of suicide victims.

Resources:

U.S. Surgeon General/National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention: National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention

American Association of Suicidology

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

2014 National Suicide Prevention Week Information & Media Kit

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Connecticut Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative

Maine Youth Suicide Prevention Program

Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention

Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Resource Guide

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services: State Suicide Prevention Plan

Rhode Island Department of Health: Suicide

Rhode Island Youth Suicide Prevention Project

Vermont Department of Health: Suicide Prevention