The needless and senseless death of our young people CAN BE PREVENTED. Your knowledge about this subject may help save the life of a friend, a family member...or even yourself.

THE FACTS...Of any ten persons who kill themselves, eight have given definite warning of their intentions. The suicidal person gives many clues and warnings regarding their suicidal intentions. Most suicidal people are undecided about living or dying, and they "gamble with death," leaving it to others to save them. Individuals who wish to kill themselves are "suicidal" only for a limited period of time.

• Most suicides occur within about three months following the beginning of "improvement," when the individual has the energy to put their morbid thoughts and feelings into effect.
• Suicide is neither the rich man's disease nor the poor man's curse. Suicide is very "democratic" and is represented proportionately among all levels of society.
• Suicide does not run in families. It is an individual pattern. Although the suicidal person is extremely unhappy, they are not necessarily ill. Depression is the most common precursor of suicide.
• A person with a history of a previous suicide attempt is more likely to commit suicide.

WHY SUICIDE?...The suicidal person feels a tremendous sense of loneliness, isolation, helplessness and hopelessness. Family conflicts, a divorce or separation, the death of a parent, the break-up of a romance, the move to a new school or pressure to succeed at school may make a young person feel suicidal.

• Suicide is the only out to some people who can no longer cope with their problems. MOST people thing about suicide at some point in their life, however, this is a temporary thought and things eventually do improve.

SUICIDE SIGNS/CLUES...Suicidal people will give signs or signals of their intent. One sign alone does not mean that a person is suicidal. Several signs at one time, however, may mean that the person is seeking help.

• Verbal suicide threats
• Previous suicide attempts
• Personality changes (unusual withdrawal, aggression or moodiness)
• Depression (changes in normal appetite, sleep disturbances, sudden drop in school) *Final arrangements (making a will, giving prized possessions away)

SUICIDAL CRISIS...WHAT TO DO:

• RECOGNIZE THE CLUES TO SUICIDE...Look for symptoms of deep depression and signs of helplessness and hopelessness. Listen for suicide threats. Notice whether the person becomes withdrawn and isolated from others.
• TRUST YOUR OWN JUDGMENT. If you believe someone is in danger of suicide, act on your beliefs.
• TELL OTHERS...As quickly as possible, share your knowledge with parents, friends, teachers, or other people who might help in a suicidal crisis.
• STAY WITH A SUICIDAL PERSON...Don't leave a suicidal person alone if you think there is immediate danger. Stay with the person until help arrives or crisis passes.
• LISTEN...Encourage a suicidal person to talk to you. Don't give false reassurances that "everything will be O.K." Listen and sympathize with what the person says.
• URGE PROFESSIONAL HELP...Put pressure on a suicidal person to seek help from professionals during a suicidal crisis or after an attempt.
• BE SUPPORTIVE...Show the person that you care. Help the person feel worthwhile and wanted.

DON'T---

1. Do not allow yourself to be sworn to secrecy by the suicidal person. You may lose a friendship, but save a life.
2. Do not leave the person alone.
3. Do not be shocked at what the person tells you.
4. Do not counsel the person yourself.
5. Do not debate whether suicide is right or wrong. This may make the person feel more guilty.

ADOLESCENT SUICIDE

Some experts feel that one main reason young people commit suicide is because adults tend to deny that they have powerful feelings as adults do. Another important factor to consider is the achievement-oriented family who place great pressure on a young person to succeed. In one study, half the suicidal adolescents who were failing in school, had normal I. Q's. They killed themselves rather than fail and disappoint (lose the love) their parents.

ADOLESCENT SUICIDE - PREVENTION - KNOW THE SIGNS

• A dramatic shift in the quality of academic performance;
• Changes in social behavior;
• Changes in daily behavior and living patterns;
• Extreme fatigue;
• Boredom;
• Decreased appetite;
• Preoccupation and inability to concentrate;
• Overt signs of mental illness, such as hallucinations, delusions, and talking to oneself;
• Giving away treasured possessions;
• Truancy;
• Failure to communicate with family and school personnel;
• Isolation and morose behavior;
• Insomnia;
• Lack of sufficient father-son relationship - perhaps because of death, divorce, or career goals;
• A difficult mother-daughter relationship, especially if a strong father figure is absent;
• Pregnancy;
• Excessive smoking;
• Apparent "accidental" self-poisoning, especially if the behavior is repeated;

AND REMEMBER...A young person feels as strongly as an adult...in many cases- more so. Listen and Respond.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the Covington Police Department at (540)-965-3333 or dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.