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SUICIDE PREVENTION: Is Someone's Life in your Hands?

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 25-34 year olds.
• It's the third leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds.
• Males take their lives at nearly four times the rate of females.
• More than 90% of people who die by suicide have depression or other mental or substance abuse disorders.

WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS TO LOOK FOR?

• Feelings of hopelessness.
• Increased alcohol or drug use.
• No sense of purpose in life.
• Anxiety and agitation.
• Being unable to sleep or sleeping all the time.
• Feeling trapped, like there's no way out.
• Feels they have no reason to live.
• They are withdrawn from friends, family and society
• They have rage, uncontrolled anger, or a need for revenge.
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking.
• There is a dramatic change in moods.

You can help by contacting the person's doctor, mental health professional, or by calling 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) for a referral. If you think someone is suicidal, do not leave them alone.

Call 911 if you see or hear:

• Someone talking about wanting to hurt or kill themselves.
• Someone talking about different ways to kill themselves.
• Someone talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary for that person.

You might be shocked by hearing someone talking about killing themselves and not know what to say or do. Here are some suggestions:

• Be a good listener. By just listening to the person you are accepting that persons feelings.
• Don't be judgmental. Don't enter into a debate with the person regarding the issue of suicide being right or wrong, good or bad.
• Always offer your support by being available to that person.
• Don't ever dare someone to take their life. You never know they might just take you up on it.
• Never promise to keep their thoughts of suicide a secret. Remember this person needs immediate help and you need to make sure they get it.
• Offer hope and help them look at their alternatives.
• Always avoid giving false reassurances.
• Remove all means for suicide (such as guns and stockpiled pills, sharp instruments).
• Get help from someone who specializes in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has established several new programs to combat the threat of suicide among veterans. Suicide Prevention Coordinators are being hired at each medical center, who will train staff members to identify suicide warning signs. The VA is also hiring many new employees to provide re-adjustment counseling at local VET Centers.

Lastly, a national suicide prevention hotline began operation August 31, 2007. If you call this hotline, you will never receive a busy signal or be placed on hold. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Line at (800)-273-8255.

For more information about NASA Education, contact Amy Johnson, Program Director, at 866-EDU-4YOU (866-338-4968) or send an email to Amy_Johnson@nasaeducation.org