1. SUICIDE
Dr. Kayj Nash Okine

2. Important Statistics
Gender differences: females are 3x more likely to attempt suicide; males are 4-5x more likely to commit suicide
Age factors: dramatic increase in suicide rates among adolescents and the elderly; highest rates for older-age men & middle-age women
Ethnic/racial factors: white; native American

3. General Warning Signs for Suicide
Verbal suicide threats; talk of wanting to die
Previous suicide attempt
Risk-taking or reckless behavior
Final arrangements – making peace, giving away possessions
Neglect of academics, work, or personal appearance
Separation from loved ones or significant others
Themes of death, depression, or suicide in writing or art
Unusual purchases – gun, rope, medications, poisons
Increased sadness, discouragement, or loneliness
Sudden happiness following prolonged depression
Hyperactivity, substance abuse, aggression

4. Warning Signs for Suicide in Adolescents
Social withdrawal
Increased irritability, moodiness
Writing goodbye letters to friends
Giving away possessions
Decline in school performance
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Loss of sleep, changes in sleep patterns

5. Risk Factors For Suicide
Stressful life events: loss of, or abandonment by, significant others; abuse; social alienation – lack of social support; financial hardship
Social contagion or clustering
Serious physical illness
Mental illness – mood disorders, alcohol & other substance abuse, borderline personality disorder
Genetic factors – 6-fold increase if family member attempted suicide
Biochemistry – low levels of serotonin
Personality factors – impulsivity, instability, emotional reactivity, risk-taking
Access to lethal means

6. Suicide Prevention Raise the subject directly Express care and concern
Be willing to talk to the person and listen
Don’t try to fix the problem or be their therapist
Strongly encourage the person to seek professional help
Contact a family member or significant other to share your concerns
Maintain contact with the person
Don’t leave the person alone if in immediate crisis or danger

7. Treatment and Prevention
Community-Based Prevention: crisis intervention programs; suicide hotlines; school programs; awareness-raising programs
Drug Treatments: lithium; SSRI’s
Psychological Treatments: suicide assessment; cognitive behavioral therapy; dialectical behavior therapy; no-suicide contract