NIMH · Suicide in America: Frequently Asked Questions

[Guest guest]

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-in-america/suicide-in-americ\

a-frequently-asked-questions.shtml

Suicide in America: Frequently Asked Questions

A brief overview of the statistics on depression and suicide with information on

depression treatments and suicide prevention

Suicide in America

Who is at risk for suicide?

What about gender?

What about children?

What about older adults?

What about different ethnic groups?

How can suicide be prevented

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you are in crisis

Suicide in America

Suicide is a major public health concern. Around 30,000 people die by suicide

each year in the United States. More people die by suicide each year than by

homicide.

Suicide is tragic. But it is often preventable. Knowing the risk factors for

suicide and who is at risk can help reduce the suicide rate.

Who is at risk for suicide?

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities are

at risk for suicide. But people most at risk tend to share certain

characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are:

Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder

A prior suicide attempt

Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse

Family history of suicide

Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

Having guns or other firearms in the home

Incarceration, being in prison or jail

Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members,

peers, or media figures.

The risk for suicidal behavior also is associated with changes in brain

chemicals called neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which is also

associated with depression. Lower levels of serotonin have been found in the

brains of people with a history of suicide attempts.

Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. Suicide

is not a normal response to stress. It is however, a sign of extreme distress,

not a harmless bid for attention.

What about gender?

Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to

attempt suicide. Men are more likely to use deadlier methods, such as firearms

or suffocation. Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide by poisoning.

What about children?

Children and young people are at risk for suicide. Year after year, suicide

remains one of the top three leading causes of death for young people ages 15 to

24.

What about older adults?

Older adults are at risk for suicide, too. In fact, white males age 85 and older

consistently have the highest suicide rate than any other age and ethnic group.

What about different ethnic groups?

Among ethnicities, American Indians and Alaska Natives tend to have the highest

rate of suicides, followed by non-Hispanic Whites. Hispanics tend to have the

lowest rate of suicides, while African Americans tend to have the second lowest

rate.

How can suicide be prevented?

Effective suicide prevention is based on sound research. Programs that work take

into account people's risk factors and promote interventions that are

appropriate to specific groups of people. For example, research has shown that

mental and substance abuse disorders are risk factors for suicide. Therefore,

many programs focus on treating these disorders in addition to addressing

suicide risk specifically.

Psychotherapy, or " talk therapy, " can effectively reduce suicide risk. One type

is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help people learn new ways

of dealing with stressful experiences by training them to consider alternative

actions when thoughts of suicide arise.

Another type of psychotherapy called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has been

shown to reduce the rate of suicide among people with borderline personality

disorder, a serious mental illness characterized by unstable moods,

relationships, self-image, and behavior. A therapist trained in DBT helps a

person recognize when his or her feelings or actions are disruptive or

unhealthy, and teaches the skills needed to deal better with upsetting

situations.

Some medications may also help. For example, the antipsychotic medication

clozapine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for suicide

prevention in people with schizophrenia. Other promising medications and

psychosocial treatments for suicidal people are being tested.

Still other research has found that many older adults and women who die by

suicide saw their primary care providers in the year before death. Training

doctors to recognize signs that a person may be considering suicide may help

prevent even more suicides.

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you know someone who is considering suicide, do not leave him or her alone.

Try to get your loved one to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the

nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911. Remove any access he or she may

have to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including medications.

If you are in crisis

Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK

(8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to

anyone. All calls are confidential.

National Institute of Mental Health

Science Writing, Press & Dissemination Branch

6001 Executive Boulevard

Room 8184, MSC 9663

Bethesda, MD 20892-9663

Phone: 301-443-4513 or

Toll-free: 1-866-615-NIMH (6464)

TTY Toll-free: 1-866-415-8051

Fax: 301-443-4279

E-mail: nimhinfo@...

Web site: www.nimh.nih.gov

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health

NIH Publication No. TR 11-7697

2010

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

[Guest guest]

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-in-america/suicide-in-americ\

a-frequently-asked-questions.shtml

Suicide in America: Frequently Asked Questions

A brief overview of the statistics on depression and suicide with information on

depression treatments and suicide prevention

Suicide in America

Who is at risk for suicide?

What about gender?

What about children?

What about older adults?

What about different ethnic groups?

How can suicide be prevented

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you are in crisis

Suicide in America

Suicide is a major public health concern. Around 30,000 people die by suicide

each year in the United States. More people die by suicide each year than by

homicide.

Suicide is tragic. But it is often preventable. Knowing the risk factors for

suicide and who is at risk can help reduce the suicide rate.

Who is at risk for suicide?

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities are

at risk for suicide. But people most at risk tend to share certain

characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are:

Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder

A prior suicide attempt

Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse

Family history of suicide

Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

Having guns or other firearms in the home

Incarceration, being in prison or jail

Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members,

peers, or media figures.

The risk for suicidal behavior also is associated with changes in brain

chemicals called neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which is also

associated with depression. Lower levels of serotonin have been found in the

brains of people with a history of suicide attempts.

Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. Suicide

is not a normal response to stress. It is however, a sign of extreme distress,

not a harmless bid for attention.

What about gender?

Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to

attempt suicide. Men are more likely to use deadlier methods, such as firearms

or suffocation. Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide by poisoning.

What about children?

Children and young people are at risk for suicide. Year after year, suicide

remains one of the top three leading causes of death for young people ages 15 to

24.

What about older adults?

Older adults are at risk for suicide, too. In fact, white males age 85 and older

consistently have the highest suicide rate than any other age and ethnic group.

What about different ethnic groups?

Among ethnicities, American Indians and Alaska Natives tend to have the highest

rate of suicides, followed by non-Hispanic Whites. Hispanics tend to have the

lowest rate of suicides, while African Americans tend to have the second lowest

rate.

How can suicide be prevented?

Effective suicide prevention is based on sound research. Programs that work take

into account people's risk factors and promote interventions that are

appropriate to specific groups of people. For example, research has shown that

mental and substance abuse disorders are risk factors for suicide. Therefore,

many programs focus on treating these disorders in addition to addressing

suicide risk specifically.

Psychotherapy, or " talk therapy, " can effectively reduce suicide risk. One type

is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help people learn new ways

of dealing with stressful experiences by training them to consider alternative

actions when thoughts of suicide arise.

Another type of psychotherapy called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has been

shown to reduce the rate of suicide among people with borderline personality

disorder, a serious mental illness characterized by unstable moods,

relationships, self-image, and behavior. A therapist trained in DBT helps a

person recognize when his or her feelings or actions are disruptive or

unhealthy, and teaches the skills needed to deal better with upsetting

situations.

Some medications may also help. For example, the antipsychotic medication

clozapine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for suicide

prevention in people with schizophrenia. Other promising medications and

psychosocial treatments for suicidal people are being tested.

Still other research has found that many older adults and women who die by

suicide saw their primary care providers in the year before death. Training

doctors to recognize signs that a person may be considering suicide may help

prevent even more suicides.

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you know someone who is considering suicide, do not leave him or her alone.

Try to get your loved one to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the

nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911. Remove any access he or she may

have to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including medications.

If you are in crisis

Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK

(8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to

anyone. All calls are confidential.

National Institute of Mental Health

Science Writing, Press & Dissemination Branch

6001 Executive Boulevard

Room 8184, MSC 9663

Bethesda, MD 20892-9663

Phone: 301-443-4513 or

Toll-free: 1-866-615-NIMH (6464)

TTY Toll-free: 1-866-415-8051

Fax: 301-443-4279

E-mail: nimhinfo@...

Web site: www.nimh.nih.gov

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health

NIH Publication No. TR 11-7697

2010

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

[Guest guest]

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-in-america/suicide-in-americ\

a-frequently-asked-questions.shtml

Suicide in America: Frequently Asked Questions

A brief overview of the statistics on depression and suicide with information on

depression treatments and suicide prevention

Suicide in America

Who is at risk for suicide?

What about gender?

What about children?

What about older adults?

What about different ethnic groups?

How can suicide be prevented

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you are in crisis

Suicide in America

Suicide is a major public health concern. Around 30,000 people die by suicide

each year in the United States. More people die by suicide each year than by

homicide.

Suicide is tragic. But it is often preventable. Knowing the risk factors for

suicide and who is at risk can help reduce the suicide rate.

Who is at risk for suicide?

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities are

at risk for suicide. But people most at risk tend to share certain

characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are:

Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder

A prior suicide attempt

Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse

Family history of suicide

Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

Having guns or other firearms in the home

Incarceration, being in prison or jail

Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members,

peers, or media figures.

The risk for suicidal behavior also is associated with changes in brain

chemicals called neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which is also

associated with depression. Lower levels of serotonin have been found in the

brains of people with a history of suicide attempts.

Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. Suicide

is not a normal response to stress. It is however, a sign of extreme distress,

not a harmless bid for attention.

What about gender?

Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to

attempt suicide. Men are more likely to use deadlier methods, such as firearms

or suffocation. Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide by poisoning.

What about children?

Children and young people are at risk for suicide. Year after year, suicide

remains one of the top three leading causes of death for young people ages 15 to

24.

What about older adults?

Older adults are at risk for suicide, too. In fact, white males age 85 and older

consistently have the highest suicide rate than any other age and ethnic group.

What about different ethnic groups?

Among ethnicities, American Indians and Alaska Natives tend to have the highest

rate of suicides, followed by non-Hispanic Whites. Hispanics tend to have the

lowest rate of suicides, while African Americans tend to have the second lowest

rate.

How can suicide be prevented?

Effective suicide prevention is based on sound research. Programs that work take

into account people's risk factors and promote interventions that are

appropriate to specific groups of people. For example, research has shown that

mental and substance abuse disorders are risk factors for suicide. Therefore,

many programs focus on treating these disorders in addition to addressing

suicide risk specifically.

Psychotherapy, or " talk therapy, " can effectively reduce suicide risk. One type

is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help people learn new ways

of dealing with stressful experiences by training them to consider alternative

actions when thoughts of suicide arise.

Another type of psychotherapy called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has been

shown to reduce the rate of suicide among people with borderline personality

disorder, a serious mental illness characterized by unstable moods,

relationships, self-image, and behavior. A therapist trained in DBT helps a

person recognize when his or her feelings or actions are disruptive or

unhealthy, and teaches the skills needed to deal better with upsetting

situations.

Some medications may also help. For example, the antipsychotic medication

clozapine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for suicide

prevention in people with schizophrenia. Other promising medications and

psychosocial treatments for suicidal people are being tested.

Still other research has found that many older adults and women who die by

suicide saw their primary care providers in the year before death. Training

doctors to recognize signs that a person may be considering suicide may help

prevent even more suicides.

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you know someone who is considering suicide, do not leave him or her alone.

Try to get your loved one to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the

nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911. Remove any access he or she may

have to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including medications.

If you are in crisis

Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK

(8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to

anyone. All calls are confidential.

National Institute of Mental Health

Science Writing, Press & Dissemination Branch

6001 Executive Boulevard

Room 8184, MSC 9663

Bethesda, MD 20892-9663

Phone: 301-443-4513 or

Toll-free: 1-866-615-NIMH (6464)

TTY Toll-free: 1-866-415-8051

Fax: 301-443-4279

E-mail: nimhinfo@...

Web site: www.nimh.nih.gov

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health

NIH Publication No. TR 11-7697

2010

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

[Guest guest]

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-in-america/suicide-in-americ\

a-frequently-asked-questions.shtml

Suicide in America: Frequently Asked Questions

A brief overview of the statistics on depression and suicide with information on

depression treatments and suicide prevention

Suicide in America

Who is at risk for suicide?

What about gender?

What about children?

What about older adults?

What about different ethnic groups?

How can suicide be prevented

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you are in crisis

Suicide in America

Suicide is a major public health concern. Around 30,000 people die by suicide

each year in the United States. More people die by suicide each year than by

homicide.

Suicide is tragic. But it is often preventable. Knowing the risk factors for

suicide and who is at risk can help reduce the suicide rate.

Who is at risk for suicide?

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities are

at risk for suicide. But people most at risk tend to share certain

characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are:

Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder

A prior suicide attempt

Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse

Family history of suicide

Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

Having guns or other firearms in the home

Incarceration, being in prison or jail

Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members,

peers, or media figures.

The risk for suicidal behavior also is associated with changes in brain

chemicals called neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which is also

associated with depression. Lower levels of serotonin have been found in the

brains of people with a history of suicide attempts.

Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. Suicide

is not a normal response to stress. It is however, a sign of extreme distress,

not a harmless bid for attention.

What about gender?

Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to

attempt suicide. Men are more likely to use deadlier methods, such as firearms

or suffocation. Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide by poisoning.

What about children?

Children and young people are at risk for suicide. Year after year, suicide

remains one of the top three leading causes of death for young people ages 15 to

24.

What about older adults?

Older adults are at risk for suicide, too. In fact, white males age 85 and older

consistently have the highest suicide rate than any other age and ethnic group.

What about different ethnic groups?

Among ethnicities, American Indians and Alaska Natives tend to have the highest

rate of suicides, followed by non-Hispanic Whites. Hispanics tend to have the

lowest rate of suicides, while African Americans tend to have the second lowest

rate.

How can suicide be prevented?

Effective suicide prevention is based on sound research. Programs that work take

into account people's risk factors and promote interventions that are

appropriate to specific groups of people. For example, research has shown that

mental and substance abuse disorders are risk factors for suicide. Therefore,

many programs focus on treating these disorders in addition to addressing

suicide risk specifically.

Psychotherapy, or " talk therapy, " can effectively reduce suicide risk. One type

is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help people learn new ways

of dealing with stressful experiences by training them to consider alternative

actions when thoughts of suicide arise.

Another type of psychotherapy called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has been

shown to reduce the rate of suicide among people with borderline personality

disorder, a serious mental illness characterized by unstable moods,

relationships, self-image, and behavior. A therapist trained in DBT helps a

person recognize when his or her feelings or actions are disruptive or

unhealthy, and teaches the skills needed to deal better with upsetting

situations.

Some medications may also help. For example, the antipsychotic medication

clozapine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for suicide

prevention in people with schizophrenia. Other promising medications and

psychosocial treatments for suicidal people are being tested.

Still other research has found that many older adults and women who die by

suicide saw their primary care providers in the year before death. Training

doctors to recognize signs that a person may be considering suicide may help

prevent even more suicides.

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you know someone who is considering suicide, do not leave him or her alone.

Try to get your loved one to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the

nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911. Remove any access he or she may

have to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including medications.

If you are in crisis

Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK

(8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to

anyone. All calls are confidential.

National Institute of Mental Health

Science Writing, Press & Dissemination Branch

6001 Executive Boulevard

Room 8184, MSC 9663

Bethesda, MD 20892-9663

Phone: 301-443-4513 or

Toll-free: 1-866-615-NIMH (6464)

TTY Toll-free: 1-866-415-8051

Fax: 301-443-4279

E-mail: nimhinfo@...

Web site: www.nimh.nih.gov

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health

NIH Publication No. TR 11-7697

2010

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

[Guest guest]

Associated with brain chemicals....

What about diet and environment like fast food and bullying. Brain

chemicals seems so out there and anyways how would any one truly

correct their brain chemicals except with highly nutritious food

and rest and if a bully is around a change of environment?

On 4/2/2011 7:45 PM, nandtbearden@... wrote:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-in-america/suicide-in-america-frequently-asked-questions.shtml

Suicide in America: Frequently Asked Questions

A brief overview of the statistics on depression and suicide with information on depression treatments and suicide prevention Suicide in America

Who is at risk for suicide?

What about gender?

What about children?

What about older adults?

What about different ethnic groups?

How can suicide be prevented

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you are in crisis

Suicide in America

Suicide is a major public health concern. Around 30,000 people die by suicide each year in the United States. More people die by suicide each year than by homicide.

Suicide is tragic. But it is often preventable. Knowing the risk factors for suicide and who is at risk can help reduce the suicide rate.

Who is at risk for suicide?

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities are at risk for suicide. But people most at risk tend to share certain characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are:

Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder

A prior suicide attempt

Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse

Family history of suicide

Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

Having guns or other firearms in the home

Incarceration, being in prison or jail

Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or media figures.

The risk for suicidal behavior also is associated with changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which is also associated with depression. Lower levels of serotonin have been found in the brains of people with a history of suicide attempts.

Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. Suicide is not a normal response to stress. It is however, a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention.

What about gender?

Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide. Men are more likely to use deadlier methods, such as firearms or suffocation. Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide by poisoning.

What about children?

Children and young people are at risk for suicide. Year after year, suicide remains one of the top three leading causes of death for young people ages 15 to 24.

What about older adults?

Older adults are at risk for suicide, too. In fact, white males age 85 and older consistently have the highest suicide rate than any other age and ethnic group.

What about different ethnic groups?

Among ethnicities, American Indians and Alaska Natives tend to have the highest rate of suicides, followed by non-Hispanic Whites. Hispanics tend to have the lowest rate of suicides, while African Americans tend to have the second lowest rate.

How can suicide be prevented?

Effective suicide prevention is based on sound research. Programs that work take into account people's risk factors and promote interventions that are appropriate to specific groups of people. For example, research has shown that mental and substance abuse disorders are risk factors for suicide. Therefore, many programs focus on treating these disorders in addition to addressing suicide risk specifically.

Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," can effectively reduce suicide risk. One type is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help people learn new ways of dealing with stressful experiences by training them to consider alternative actions when thoughts of suicide arise.

Another type of psychotherapy called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has been shown to reduce the rate of suicide among people with borderline personality disorder, a serious mental illness characterized by unstable moods, relationships, self-image, and behavior. A therapist trained in DBT helps a person recognize when his or her feelings or actions are disruptive or unhealthy, and teaches the skills needed to deal better with upsetting situations.

Some medications may also help. For example, the antipsychotic medication clozapine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for suicide prevention in people with schizophrenia. Other promising medications and psychosocial treatments for suicidal people are being tested.

Still other research has found that many older adults and women who die by suicide saw their primary care providers in the year before death. Training doctors to recognize signs that a person may be considering suicide may help prevent even more suicides.

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you know someone who is considering suicide, do not leave him or her alone. Try to get your loved one to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911. Remove any access he or she may have to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including medications.

If you are in crisis

Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential.

National Institute of Mental Health

Science Writing, Press & Dissemination Branch

6001 Executive Boulevard

Room 8184, MSC 9663

Bethesda, MD 20892-9663

Phone: 301-443-4513 or

Toll-free: 1-866-615-NIMH (6464)

TTY Toll-free: 1-866-415-8051

Fax: 301-443-4279

E-mail: nimhinfo@...

Web site: www.nimh.nih.gov

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health

NIH Publication No. TR 11-7697

2010

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Associated with brain chemicals....

What about diet and environment like fast food and bullying. Brain

chemicals seems so out there and anyways how would any one truly

correct their brain chemicals except with highly nutritious food

and rest and if a bully is around a change of environment?

On 4/2/2011 7:45 PM, nandtbearden@... wrote:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-in-america/suicide-in-america-frequently-asked-questions.shtml

Suicide in America: Frequently Asked Questions

A brief overview of the statistics on depression and suicide with information on depression treatments and suicide prevention Suicide in America

Who is at risk for suicide?

What about gender?

What about children?

What about older adults?

What about different ethnic groups?

How can suicide be prevented

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you are in crisis

Suicide in America

Suicide is a major public health concern. Around 30,000 people die by suicide each year in the United States. More people die by suicide each year than by homicide.

Suicide is tragic. But it is often preventable. Knowing the risk factors for suicide and who is at risk can help reduce the suicide rate.

Who is at risk for suicide?

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities are at risk for suicide. But people most at risk tend to share certain characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are:

Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder

A prior suicide attempt

Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse

Family history of suicide

Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

Having guns or other firearms in the home

Incarceration, being in prison or jail

Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or media figures.

The risk for suicidal behavior also is associated with changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which is also associated with depression. Lower levels of serotonin have been found in the brains of people with a history of suicide attempts.

Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. Suicide is not a normal response to stress. It is however, a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention.

What about gender?

Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide. Men are more likely to use deadlier methods, such as firearms or suffocation. Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide by poisoning.

What about children?

Children and young people are at risk for suicide. Year after year, suicide remains one of the top three leading causes of death for young people ages 15 to 24.

What about older adults?

Older adults are at risk for suicide, too. In fact, white males age 85 and older consistently have the highest suicide rate than any other age and ethnic group.

What about different ethnic groups?

Among ethnicities, American Indians and Alaska Natives tend to have the highest rate of suicides, followed by non-Hispanic Whites. Hispanics tend to have the lowest rate of suicides, while African Americans tend to have the second lowest rate.

How can suicide be prevented?

Effective suicide prevention is based on sound research. Programs that work take into account people's risk factors and promote interventions that are appropriate to specific groups of people. For example, research has shown that mental and substance abuse disorders are risk factors for suicide. Therefore, many programs focus on treating these disorders in addition to addressing suicide risk specifically.

Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," can effectively reduce suicide risk. One type is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help people learn new ways of dealing with stressful experiences by training them to consider alternative actions when thoughts of suicide arise.

Another type of psychotherapy called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has been shown to reduce the rate of suicide among people with borderline personality disorder, a serious mental illness characterized by unstable moods, relationships, self-image, and behavior. A therapist trained in DBT helps a person recognize when his or her feelings or actions are disruptive or unhealthy, and teaches the skills needed to deal better with upsetting situations.

Some medications may also help. For example, the antipsychotic medication clozapine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for suicide prevention in people with schizophrenia. Other promising medications and psychosocial treatments for suicidal people are being tested.

Still other research has found that many older adults and women who die by suicide saw their primary care providers in the year before death. Training doctors to recognize signs that a person may be considering suicide may help prevent even more suicides.

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you know someone who is considering suicide, do not leave him or her alone. Try to get your loved one to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911. Remove any access he or she may have to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including medications.

If you are in crisis

Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential.

National Institute of Mental Health

Science Writing, Press & Dissemination Branch

6001 Executive Boulevard

Room 8184, MSC 9663

Bethesda, MD 20892-9663

Phone: 301-443-4513 or

Toll-free: 1-866-615-NIMH (6464)

TTY Toll-free: 1-866-415-8051

Fax: 301-443-4279

E-mail: nimhinfo@...

Web site: www.nimh.nih.gov

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health

NIH Publication No. TR 11-7697

2010

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Associated with brain chemicals....

What about diet and environment like fast food and bullying. Brain

chemicals seems so out there and anyways how would any one truly

correct their brain chemicals except with highly nutritious food

and rest and if a bully is around a change of environment?

On 4/2/2011 7:45 PM, nandtbearden@... wrote:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-in-america/suicide-in-america-frequently-asked-questions.shtml

Suicide in America: Frequently Asked Questions

A brief overview of the statistics on depression and suicide with information on depression treatments and suicide prevention Suicide in America

Who is at risk for suicide?

What about gender?

What about children?

What about older adults?

What about different ethnic groups?

How can suicide be prevented

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you are in crisis

Suicide in America

Suicide is a major public health concern. Around 30,000 people die by suicide each year in the United States. More people die by suicide each year than by homicide.

Suicide is tragic. But it is often preventable. Knowing the risk factors for suicide and who is at risk can help reduce the suicide rate.

Who is at risk for suicide?

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities are at risk for suicide. But people most at risk tend to share certain characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are:

Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder

A prior suicide attempt

Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse

Family history of suicide

Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

Having guns or other firearms in the home

Incarceration, being in prison or jail

Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or media figures.

The risk for suicidal behavior also is associated with changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which is also associated with depression. Lower levels of serotonin have been found in the brains of people with a history of suicide attempts.

Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. Suicide is not a normal response to stress. It is however, a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention.

What about gender?

Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide. Men are more likely to use deadlier methods, such as firearms or suffocation. Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide by poisoning.

What about children?

Children and young people are at risk for suicide. Year after year, suicide remains one of the top three leading causes of death for young people ages 15 to 24.

What about older adults?

Older adults are at risk for suicide, too. In fact, white males age 85 and older consistently have the highest suicide rate than any other age and ethnic group.

What about different ethnic groups?

Among ethnicities, American Indians and Alaska Natives tend to have the highest rate of suicides, followed by non-Hispanic Whites. Hispanics tend to have the lowest rate of suicides, while African Americans tend to have the second lowest rate.

How can suicide be prevented?

Effective suicide prevention is based on sound research. Programs that work take into account people's risk factors and promote interventions that are appropriate to specific groups of people. For example, research has shown that mental and substance abuse disorders are risk factors for suicide. Therefore, many programs focus on treating these disorders in addition to addressing suicide risk specifically.

Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," can effectively reduce suicide risk. One type is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help people learn new ways of dealing with stressful experiences by training them to consider alternative actions when thoughts of suicide arise.

Another type of psychotherapy called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has been shown to reduce the rate of suicide among people with borderline personality disorder, a serious mental illness characterized by unstable moods, relationships, self-image, and behavior. A therapist trained in DBT helps a person recognize when his or her feelings or actions are disruptive or unhealthy, and teaches the skills needed to deal better with upsetting situations.

Some medications may also help. For example, the antipsychotic medication clozapine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for suicide prevention in people with schizophrenia. Other promising medications and psychosocial treatments for suicidal people are being tested.

Still other research has found that many older adults and women who die by suicide saw their primary care providers in the year before death. Training doctors to recognize signs that a person may be considering suicide may help prevent even more suicides.

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you know someone who is considering suicide, do not leave him or her alone. Try to get your loved one to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911. Remove any access he or she may have to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including medications.

If you are in crisis

Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential.

National Institute of Mental Health

Science Writing, Press & Dissemination Branch

6001 Executive Boulevard

Room 8184, MSC 9663

Bethesda, MD 20892-9663

Phone: 301-443-4513 or

Toll-free: 1-866-615-NIMH (6464)

TTY Toll-free: 1-866-415-8051

Fax: 301-443-4279

E-mail: nimhinfo@...

Web site: www.nimh.nih.gov

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health

NIH Publication No. TR 11-7697

2010

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Associated with brain chemicals....

What about diet and environment like fast food and bullying. Brain

chemicals seems so out there and anyways how would any one truly

correct their brain chemicals except with highly nutritious food

and rest and if a bully is around a change of environment?

On 4/2/2011 7:45 PM, nandtbearden@... wrote:

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/suicide-in-america/suicide-in-america-frequently-asked-questions.shtml

Suicide in America: Frequently Asked Questions

A brief overview of the statistics on depression and suicide with information on depression treatments and suicide prevention Suicide in America

Who is at risk for suicide?

What about gender?

What about children?

What about older adults?

What about different ethnic groups?

How can suicide be prevented

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you are in crisis

Suicide in America

Suicide is a major public health concern. Around 30,000 people die by suicide each year in the United States. More people die by suicide each year than by homicide.

Suicide is tragic. But it is often preventable. Knowing the risk factors for suicide and who is at risk can help reduce the suicide rate.

Who is at risk for suicide?

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities are at risk for suicide. But people most at risk tend to share certain characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are:

Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder

A prior suicide attempt

Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse

Family history of suicide

Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

Having guns or other firearms in the home

Incarceration, being in prison or jail

Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or media figures.

The risk for suicidal behavior also is associated with changes in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, including serotonin, which is also associated with depression. Lower levels of serotonin have been found in the brains of people with a history of suicide attempts.

Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. Suicide is not a normal response to stress. It is however, a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention.

What about gender?

Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide. Men are more likely to use deadlier methods, such as firearms or suffocation. Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide by poisoning.

What about children?

Children and young people are at risk for suicide. Year after year, suicide remains one of the top three leading causes of death for young people ages 15 to 24.

What about older adults?

Older adults are at risk for suicide, too. In fact, white males age 85 and older consistently have the highest suicide rate than any other age and ethnic group.

What about different ethnic groups?

Among ethnicities, American Indians and Alaska Natives tend to have the highest rate of suicides, followed by non-Hispanic Whites. Hispanics tend to have the lowest rate of suicides, while African Americans tend to have the second lowest rate.

How can suicide be prevented?

Effective suicide prevention is based on sound research. Programs that work take into account people's risk factors and promote interventions that are appropriate to specific groups of people. For example, research has shown that mental and substance abuse disorders are risk factors for suicide. Therefore, many programs focus on treating these disorders in addition to addressing suicide risk specifically.

Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," can effectively reduce suicide risk. One type is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help people learn new ways of dealing with stressful experiences by training them to consider alternative actions when thoughts of suicide arise.

Another type of psychotherapy called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has been shown to reduce the rate of suicide among people with borderline personality disorder, a serious mental illness characterized by unstable moods, relationships, self-image, and behavior. A therapist trained in DBT helps a person recognize when his or her feelings or actions are disruptive or unhealthy, and teaches the skills needed to deal better with upsetting situations.

Some medications may also help. For example, the antipsychotic medication clozapine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for suicide prevention in people with schizophrenia. Other promising medications and psychosocial treatments for suicidal people are being tested.

Still other research has found that many older adults and women who die by suicide saw their primary care providers in the year before death. Training doctors to recognize signs that a person may be considering suicide may help prevent even more suicides.

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you know someone who is considering suicide, do not leave him or her alone. Try to get your loved one to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911. Remove any access he or she may have to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including medications.

If you are in crisis

Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential.

National Institute of Mental Health

Science Writing, Press & Dissemination Branch

6001 Executive Boulevard

Room 8184, MSC 9663

Bethesda, MD 20892-9663

Phone: 301-443-4513 or

Toll-free: 1-866-615-NIMH (6464)

TTY Toll-free: 1-866-415-8051

Fax: 301-443-4279

E-mail: nimhinfo@...

Web site: www.nimh.nih.gov

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

National Institutes of Health

NIH Publication No. TR 11-7697

2010

Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T

------------------------------------