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SUICIDE

Module 5.3

LEARNING TARGETS:

  • What factors increase the risk of suicide, and what do we know about nonsuicidal self-injury?

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Facts on Suicide Quiz

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Answers to Suicide Facts Quiz

  • True items: 2, 3, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 17
  • False items: 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 15, 16, 18

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Who Commits Suicide?

  • Suicide took the lives of 160,000 Americans in 2020 (
  • 800,000 people take their own lives worldwide
  • Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24.
  • Twice as many Americans die each year from suicide than from homicide.
  • Women more likely to consider suicide but men twice as likely to actually die by suicide.
  • High-school suicide rate has increased by over 62% since 2009.
  • Highest suicide rate occurs in those over age 70. – Many trying to relieve pain they’re in or becoming a burden on their family
  • Social suggestion contributes – suicides go up when it’s in the news or trending on social media (social media use exceeding 3-4 hours a day is a predictor)
  • States with high gun ownership have the highest rates.

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Why do people attempt suicide?

  • To escape the pain of a chronic illness or the slow, agonizing death of a terminal disease.
  • Avoid becoming a burden on their family
  • Feelings of hopelessness, depression, guilt, rejection, failure, humiliation, or shame.
  • Perfectionists tend to be more likely to attempt suicide when unable to attain goals.

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Risk Factors Associated with �Suicidal Behavior

  • Recent relationship problems or lack of significant relationships
  • Poor coping and problem solving skills
  • Poor impulse control and impaired judgment
  • Rigid thinking or irrational beliefs
  • Having another major psychological disorder
  • Alcohol or Substance Abuse
  • Childhood physical or sexual abuse
  • Prior self-destructive behavior or a family history of suicide.
  • Presence of a firearm in the house

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Suggestions for Helping Someone Feeling Hopeless & Suicidal

  • Actively listen as the person talks and vents his/her feelings
  • Don’t deny or minimize the person’s suicidal intentions
  • Identify other potential solutions
  • Ask the person to delay their decision
  • Encourage the person to seek professional help.
  • To access more information on suicide prevention please click HERE.

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Self-Injury

  • Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) occurs more frequently in adolescents & females
    • Includes behaviors like: cutting or burning skin, hitting oneself, inserting objects under nails or skin.
    • Many who engage in NSSI have experienced bullying, harassment, or stress.
    • Generally less able to tolerate and regulate their emotional stress.
    • Often self-critical & impulsive

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NSSI can be Reinforcing

  • A form of relief from intense negative thoughts through the distraction of pain.
  • Attracts attention and can possibly lead to help
  • Relieves guilt by punishing oneself
  • Get others to change their negative behavior (bullying, criticism)
  • Fit in with a peer group

Need help with NSSI?

Click HERE!