BY: Kaleria Jackson
Suicide has previously been known to be taboo, but now it is a known trending topic: #suicidepreventation. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 15-24 in Alabama. Through the changes and stress teens and young adults experience, this is not uncommon for this age group. On average, there is one person that dies by suicide every 11 hours in the state of Alabama. With suicide being one of the leading causes of death in Alabama, we should at least know the signs and risk factors of someone contemplating suicide.
People with mental illnesses are more likely to attempt suicide than those who do not. Healthline says that about 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a mental illness at the time of their death. Depression is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses that lead to a suicide attempt. Other mental illnesses such as schizophrenia could have a hand in committing suicide. There are other risk factors that should be included besides mental illness.
Risk Factors:
- Substance abuse
- History of trauma or abuse
- Isolation
- Prolonged stress, such as bullying or harassment
- Sleep deprivation
- Recent loss or tragedy
- Access to firearms
Signs Someone May Attempt:
- Reckless behavior
- Anxiety or agitation
- Dramatic mood swings
- Increase in alcohol or drug use
- Changes in sleep pattern, such as sleeping too much or not getting enough sleep
- Feelings of hopelessness, desperation, or feeling trapped
- Putting affairs in order, like getting rid of personal belongings or writing a will
Learning these signs will be able to help a friend, a family member, a stranger on the street, or maybe even yourself. Be able to notice these signs, because you could probably save a life. Once you can identify the signs, start to think of the next plans of action.
Getting Help
In situations that involve suicide, either thinking about it or committing the act, it is important to speak up. Having thoughts can later transform into committing the action. Suffering in silence can be tough. Consider talking to a counselor, a friend, or even calling The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number. Auburn University at Montgomery has a great counseling center that is free for students. Our counselors are here to help students, so take advantage of getting the help you may need to speak up. The Auburn University at Montgomery’s counseling center is located in the Taylor Center in room 316.
If you would like more information you can give them a call at 334-244-3469.
Are you having thoughts of committing suicide? Have you ever wanted to commit suicide in the past? If “yes” to these questions you may be at high risk for committing suicide. Try giving The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline a call to get help. The National Suicide Prevention number is 1-800-273-8255.
Song artist and rapper, Logic says in his song entitled 1-800-273-8255, “I want you to be alive.” Through the pain and suffering, this is all we can wish and want for you.