In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week, Dr. Paul Cates, director of the Lipscomb counseling center, offered some advice for students who may be struggling or know someone who is struggling with emotional issues.
To learn more about what Dr. Cates said and to gain more information from organizations like To Write Love on Her Arms and The International Association for Suicide Prevention, read the article “Dr. Paul Cates shares advice for students during National Suicide Prevention Week.”
Statistics from the International Association for Suicide Prevention:
Selected Global World Suicide Prevention Facts and Figures:
- Data from the World Health Organization indicate that approximately one million people worldwide die by suicide each year. This corresponds to one death by suicide every 40 seconds.
- The number of lives lost each year through suicide exceeds the number of deaths due to homicide and war combined. Suicide attempts and suicidal ideation are far more common; for example, the number of suicide attempts may be up to 20 times the number of deaths by suicide.
- It is estimated that about 5% of persons attempt suicide at least once in their life and that the lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation in the general population is between 10 and 14%.
- Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among the young.
- Suicide is estimated to be under-reported for multiple reasons including stigma, religious concerns and social attitudes.
- The psychological and social impact of suicide on the family and community is enormous.
- The economic costs associated with self-inflicted death or injuries are estimated to be in the billions of US dollars a year.
- Documented rates are highest in Eastern European countries, such as Lithuania and the Russian Federation, and lowest in countries of Central and South America, such as Peru, Mexico, Brazil and Colombia.
A list of things to consider if you suspect someone you know might be suicidal (from Dr. Paul Cates, Ed. D, LMFT, LPC):
Is there a plan to commit suicide? If so, what is the plan?
Has there been a history of overt suicidal behavior?
Is there depression?
Has there been a significant loss recently?
Is there a loved one in the recent past or longer past who has committed suicide?
Generally, how is a person coping with life? What kind of resources do they have? Are they very isolated, or do they have a good support system around them?