Facts to Know About Suicide:
- Suicide is the leading cause of violent death in Wisconsin.
- Firearms are the most common method used in suicide, followed by hanging and poisoning.
- A previous suicide attempt or the loss of a love done or friend to suicide can increase the risk.
Suicide is often preventable with education, treatment and support. 60–90% of people that die by suicide have a treatable mental illness or alcohol/drug abuse problem.
Things to Look Out for:
Warning Signs-
- Talking about suicide or wanting to die
- Recent crises, losses, stress; they can be financial, personal, relationships, illness and pain
- Untreated mental illness and alcohol/drug abuse
- Access to methods of suicide: fi rearms, poisons, suffocation/hanging
Feelings-
- No reason for living
- Hopelessness/helplessness
- Trapped/no way out
- Anger, rage
- Anxiety, agitation
- Extreme mood changes
- Heavy guilt
Behaviors-
- Big changes in eating and/or sleeping
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Impulsiveness
- Alcohol/Drug use/abuse
- Withdrawing from family/friends/usual activities
- Making final arrangements; giving away prized possessions
- Planning and preparing for suicide
“Spur-of-the-moment behavior appears to play an important role in suicide. Suicide prevention experts believe that if deadly methods are not readily available when a person decides to attempt suicide, he or she can delay the attempt. If delayed, it may allow for the possibility of later deciding not to attempt suicide, or using less deadly methods, allowing for greater possibility of medical
rescue.” -From the South Central Idaho SPAN Chapter, Steps to Prevent Suicide brochure
If you see these changes in yourself or someone else call:
1-608-280-2600 Crisis Line available 24/7
1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
What to do:
Firearms-
- Remove all firearms (shotguns, handguns, hunting rifles) from the home. Ask extended family and/or friends to store them
- Contact your local police about safe gun storage
- Get and use cable gun locks
- Lock gun cabinet or safe, store all keys in a separate location from the gun
- Keep all bullets separate from gun(s)
- Store gun(s) unloaded
Medications & Poisons-
- Destroy unused and outdated medications
- Fill drug prescriptions in small quantities
- Buy over the counter medications in small quantities
- Store all medications and poisons in a secure place
Hanging & Suffocation-
- Many items in the home can be used for suicide by hanging or suffocation
- Be alert to the risk factors and warning signs of suicide
Alcohol & Drugs-
- Monitor alcohol and drug use; as they can increase impulsivity and make symptoms worse
Resources:
For emergency help if someone is in immediate risk of suicide
CALL 9-1-1
Call 1-800-273-8875 (TALK)
Press 1 for those who are a Veteran
For additional information:
Dane County residents:
Call 608-280-2600 Crisis Line (available 24/7)
Mental Health Center of Dane County
Dane County Access to Services Map:
www.safercommunity.net
HOPES – Helping Others Prevent and Educate About Suicide at
www.hopes-wi.org
Mental Health America of WI at
www.mhawisconsin.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Sources:
AFSP – American Foundation of Suicide Prevention at
www.afsp.org
AAS – American Association of Suicidology at
www.suicidology.org
Suicide Prevention Task Force of Safe Communities at
www.safercommunity.net
WI-DHFS, Division of Public Health, Injury Prevention Program – WI Violent Injuries and Death Report at
www.dhfs.wisconsin.gov/wish/
Youth Suicide Steps to Prevent Suicide, South Central Idaho SPAN Chapter at
www.spanidaho.org
