Suicide Is Everyone’s Business

 

                     Facts About Suicide and Adolescents

           

           

    Hispanic youth are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population and

 account for one fourth of all Hispanic suicide deaths.            

          

representing 85 percent of the 8,744 Hispanic suicides between 1997 and 2001.

 

In 2001, 55% of suicides were committed with a firearm (Anderson and Smith 2003).

Risk Factors:

• History of mental disorders, particularly depression
• History of alcohol and substance abuse
• Family history of suicide
• Family history of child mistreatment
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
• Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
• Loss (relational, social, work, or financial)
• Physical illness
• Easy access to lethal methods
• Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders or suicidal thoughts
• Cultural and religious beliefs—for instance, the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
• Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other people

 

Helpful Factors:

 

1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433

 

v     Effective clinical care for mental and substance abuse disorders

v     Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and support

v     Family and community support

v     Support from ongoing medical and mental health care relationships

v     Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent handling of disputes

v     Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation instincts

 

--Centers for Disease Control

--NAMI of Greater Kansas City