Introduction to Suicide

Suicide is a deliberate, intentional, self-inflicted act that results in one’s own death. Suicide can be either attempted or completed.

• Attempted- deliberate, intentional, self-inflicted act that is intended to cause death but does not.
• Completed- used to describe a suicide attempt that results in death.
• Suicidal ideation– refers to thinking about, considering, or planning suicide.

Source– CDC and NIMH

Factors that are present more often in those individuals who attempt suicide-

• Mental disorders and substance abuse-
  • Many suicide victims have at least one mental disorder, most commonly depression, or history of substance abuse.
• Situational stressors-
  • Family, school, relationships, jobs, school are often associated with suicide but not generally the cause of suicide.
• Previous suicide attempts-
  • A suicide attempt increases the likelihood that a future attempt will result in a completed suicide unless the person receives successful treatment to cope with the underlying emotional pain.
• Exposure of suicide of others-
  • If one has a family member or friend complete or attempt suicide their risk increases.
• Access to lethal methods*-
  • A completed suicide is much more likely when a firearm is available in the home than when one is not.

“Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”

• Developing the ability to cope with serious problems and understanding they are temporary can mean the difference between life and death.

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