Suicide Prevention: Focus on Youth

HealthWatch for July 2006
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Suicide is preventable. Its causes are treatable.

Frederic Edwin Church (American, 1826-1900). Twilight in the Wilderness, 1860. Oil on canvas; 101.6 x 162.6 cm. © The Cleveland Museum of Art, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund 1965.233

It is as simple as that. Suicide claims over 30,000 lives in the United States each year, making it the 11th leading cause of death nationwide. These rates are higher among youth. Consider the following statistics:

Suicide is the fifth leading cause of death among those 5-14 years old.
Suicide is third leading cause of death among those 14-24 years old.
The suicide rate for white males aged 15-24 tripled since 1950, while for white females it more than doubled.
Between 1980 and 1996, the suicide rate for African-American males aged 15-19 also doubled.
Among young people aged 10-14 years, the rate doubled in the last two decades.

However, suicide is preventable. Kathryn A. Burns, Cuyahoga County Community Mental Health Board’s Chief Clinical Officer, says the most effective way to prevent suicide is to learn how to recognize the warning signs of someone at risk and take them seriously.

Risk factors for suicide among the young include suicidal thoughts, psychiatric disorders (such as depression, impulsive aggressive behavior, bipolar disorder, certain anxiety disorders), drug and/or alcohol abuse and previous suicide attempts, with the risk increased if there is situational stress and access to firearms.

If you are thinking about suicide, tell someone and get help immediately. If you suspect that a friend or family member is thinking about suicide - listen and seek professional advice from the references list below. In an emergency, call one of the hotlines below or 911.

LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH, 24-HOUR HOTLINES

Cuyahoga County Community Mental Health Board - (216) 623-6888
Lorain County Mental Health Board - (800) 888-6161
Mental Health Association of Summit County, Child Mental Health Emergencies - (330) 762-0591

State and Local Resources

Cuyahoga County Community Mental Health Board at 216-241-3400
Lorain County Mental Health Board at 1-800-360-3070
Mental Health Association of Summit County at 1-800-991-1311
Red Flags in Children’s Health
Ohio Department of Mental Health

National Resources

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
What to do when you fear someone may take their own life
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK