It’s Time to Talk: Empowerment Starts with You ePromotion - Day 2

Day 2: Who is at Risk?

One in four adults has a mental health condition. That makes the likelihood that either you or someone you know lives with a mental health condition pretty significant. While most of these conditions do not lead to suicide, 90% of those who commit suicide had an underlying mental health condition. (NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness)

In the United States, 40,000 deaths by suicide occur every year.  That is 1 every 16 minutes.  In the time it takes for you to watch your favorite sitcom, two individuals have died by suicide. 

And suicide does not discriminate. Suicide occurs in every race, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic background. However, there are some groups who tend to be more at risk for suicide including:

 

·         Those who have had a prior suicide attempt

·         Those with a mental health condition or those with a family history of such

·         Those who have a substance abuse disorder or a family history of such

·         Those who have a family history of violence

·         Those who have had trauma in childhood

·         Being exposed to someone else’s suicide

·         While men complete suicide more often, women tend to attempt suicide more frequently

·         The most critical risk factors are prior attempts, mood disorders, alcohol and drug use, and access to means

However, even among those who are more at risk to commit suicide; most do not. While it may be hard to predict who with a risk factor may attempt or commit suicide, those who display the warning signs may be in more danger and require immediate and ongoing attention.

The risk is real! The outcome is preventable! Start the conversation!

In our next email of this series, we will explore the warning signs of suicide. This ePromotion will also explore what to do if you are concerned about someone. But remember, if you are concerned that someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves, call 911.

Terri

Terri Sitrin, LCSW, CEAP

Dallas District Consultant | USPS EAP

2341 West Northwest Hwy

Dallas, TX  75220

Office: 214-353-6996

Fax:  888-656-4240

www.EAP4YOU.com

 

Make the call to the EAP or go to the website 24 hours a day for information and help.

Suicide Prevention: How We Can Make a Difference - To find out more, click here.