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Suicide

Suicide
 

This guide was written to help you be aware of the warning signs of suicide and to give you information about how to help persons who may be suicidal.

 

What Factors Increase the Risk of Suicide?

  • Age: Young adults and elderly are at higher risk than other ages.
  • Males are at higher risk than females.
  • Single, divorced, and widowed are at higher risk than married.
  • A personal or family history of suicide attempts.
  • Depression, psychosis, and drug or alcohol abuse.
  • A recent loss (death or divorce) or anniversary of a loss.
  • Major hard life events (loss of job, moving to a new place).
  • Poor insight.
  • Acting in an impulsive or angry manner.
  • Failing health.
  • Unemployed.

What Are the Warning Signs for Suicide?

  • Sadness that doesn't go away.
  • Changes in sleeping and eating habits.
  • Decline in work or school function.
  • Social withdrawal.
  • Behaviors suggesting thoughts of suicide (talking or writing about death, giving away personal possessions, getting the means to kill oneself).
  • Loss of interest in activities that once were pleasurable.
  • Sudden lift in spirits after being depressed.
  • Abuse of alcohol or drugs.
  • Lack of concern about personal welfare.

 

What Should You Do If You Suspect Someone Is Suicidal?

1. Take any warning signs of suicide seriously.
2. Talk openly with the person you are concerned about.  Ask the person if they are thinking about suicide or thinking about killing themselves.
3. Consult with professionals if you are concerned or call the police.
4. Stay close to the person until help is arrives or the risk has passed.
5. Convey to the person a feeling of acceptance of them.
6. Remove guns, medicines that might be used in an attempt.

 

Who Should You Call For Help?

 

In most communities the emergency department of hospitals and the local mental health center have persons who are trained in suicide assessment and intervention.  If you are concerned about someone, it is better to error on the side of being too concerned.  In many cases suicide can be prevented.

 

There are several resources at University Hospital and Clinics:  Call the Emergency Room at (608) 262-2398. 

 

The Mental Health Center of Dane County also has a 24-hour Suicide Crisis Line (608) 280-2600.

 

 

National Suicide Prevention line

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

1-800-799-4TTY (4889) TTY

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 03/27/2009

Copyright © 03/27/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4449

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