Suicide Prevention

This is suicide prevention week. Every hour someone dies from suicide while 10 others attempt it. Every year families must deal with the questions left when a child or a family member takes their own life. Who is there for them? Where are the pink ribbons and PSA's telling people to call a toll free number for help? The recent death in the celebrated series the Real Housewives has drawn the media's attention to suicide, but  the moment is gone in a flash as another sexy headline takes it's place. The truth is, kids ll over the world are killing themselves everyday. Adults are making the decision to end it all in record numbers. No one talks about them. There are no find raisers to help educate people om the warning signs for suicide. There are no big granters that are willing to fund PSA'a during prime time for suicide prevention. We spend millions of dollars in hopes of a cure in the future for many diseases, but nothing for one of the most preventable types of death there is. There is a website called Half of Us, that uses technology, and celebrity to spread the message that mental health is important and any mental health issue can be treated. The key they promote is to talk to someone. Share  with someone. The kids find out they are not all alone in this. There are millions of people all over the place that may be experiencing depression, fear, anxiety, paranoia, psychosis, and a host of other things. Through Half of Us, they can connect with people across the globe or across campus. MTV is involved in getting the message to college aged kids. The Jason foundation exists to get the info to schools all across the nation in hopes teachers can recognize thew signs and get help for the student before it is too late.
 So who is at risk? Anyone who has experienced a loss, anyone who has mental illness in their family, anyone who feels they don't belong. Men are more 3 times more  likely to  die by suicide  than women but women are 4 more likely to report attempts. People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are at risk as are people who have previous attempts at suicide. People with chronic serious illnesses are more likely to die by suicide.
 There are many more risk factors for suicide which can be found in the links below. There are also resources listed as well. This is National Suicide Prevention week. Please take the time to learn the risk factors and warning signs, know your local resources and how to access them and don't be afraid to ask the question.. "are you thinking of killing yourself?" You may be the person that saves a life.

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• September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day (drvitelli.typepad.com)
• Preventing Someone's Suicide Might Be Easier Than You Think (queerty.com)
• Preventing Suicide in Bipolar Children (everydayhealth.com)
• Bravo Airs Two Suicide Prevention PSAs During RHOBH Premiere (perezhilton.com)
• World Suicide Prevention Day- Sept. 10, 2011 Everywhere*** (mcssg.wordpress.com)

Suicide Under the Sink

We all have heard the alarming statistics on suicides. It is the  number 3 cause of death between the ages of 15-21.  It is not well reported. This does not include the single car accidents or "accidental"  deaths that make up a large majority of the fatalities in any community. Accidental overdoses are reported as just that, instead of suicides.
 There has emerged a new method of suicide that is gaining popularity. It involves the use of detergents and household cleaners. This method is not only deadly to the person committing the act, but also to first responders or anyone that may discover the scene.
The  person mixes several household cleaners together, which creates a substance that emits toxic fumes. The fumes are the deadly part. It takes only seconds to do damage.
 Generally the person  prepares the location by closing all doors, windows and blocking any air  escapes or intake. Cars are a prime choice.
There have been incidents across the country where there was actually a warning left to first responders about the hazard, in anticipation of who might find their body. They clearly did not want anyone else to die because of them.

This apparently originated in Japan with several cases making their headlines. It is here as well.

This is an issue that is getting very little attention but deserves to be discussed in all law enforcement and fire rescue departments. Teachers , school officials and  parents should know as well.

If you need a reason to look closely at the chemicals that you bring into your home, this is it. Just as any responsible person who owns guns takes precautions, we should  know what hazzards are in our own home, right under our kitchen sink. If you have a family member who suffers with depression, it might be a good idea to  really take a discerning look at all chemicals that are in your home.

Related articles

• The Stigma of Suicide (astridetal.wordpress.com)
• 4 Myths about Suicide (psychologytoday.com)
• Reducing Access to Lethal Means Saves Lives (yubanet.com)