Barb Medlock

 Suicide:  What Every College Student Should Know

Suicide: Information You Should Know

• About 75 percent of those who die by suicide do exhibit some suicide warning signs.
• Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide. 
• Depression is an illness. People do not choose depression. Depression causes a chemical imbalance in the brain.
• Many people who have depression do not receive treatment because of the societal stigma that is associated with depression.
• Research suggests that the best way to prevent suicide is to know the risk factors.
• Although women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to be successful.
• If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs for suicide, don’t be afraid to ask if he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide. Encourage the person to seek professional help.

U.S.A. SUICIDE: 2009 OFFICIAL FINAL DATA

        Number        Per Day          Rate      % of Deaths    Group (# of Suicides)             Rate

Nation ...................... 36,909 .........101.1 .......... 12.0 ......... 1.5%          White Male (26,426)  ........ 21.6

Males .......................29,089 ...........79.7 ..........  19.2 ......... 2.4%          White Female (6,999) ........ 5.6

Females .....................7,820 ...........21.4 ............  5.0 ......... 0.6%          Nonwhite Male (2,663) …... 9.2

Whites ......................33,425 ...........91.6 ..........  13.5 ......... 1.6%          Nonwhite Female (821) ….  2.6

Nonwhites ..................3,484 ............ 9.5 ............  5.8 ......... 1.0%          Black Male (1,684) ............. 8.6

Blacks .........................2,084 ............5.7 ............  5.1 ......... 0.7%          Black Female (400) ........... 1.9

Elderly (65+ yrs.) ........5,858 ..........16.0 ..........  14.8 ......... 0.3%          Hispanic (2,573) ................ 5.3

Young (15-24 yrs.) ......4,371 ..........12.0 ..........  10.1 ....... 14.4%          Native Americans (429)….12.3

         Asian/Pacific Island (971) .. 6.3

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Rate = number per 100,000 individuals

Fatal Outcomes (Suicides): a rate increase was seen from 2008 to 2009, continuing the recent rate increases after long-term trends of decline

• Average of 1 person every 14.2 minutes killed themselves
• Average of 1 old person every 1 hour and 30 minutes killed themselves
• Average of 1 young person every 2 hours killed themselves.
• Suicide ranks 10th as a cause of death; Homicide ranks 15th

Source: http://www.suicidology.org/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=248&name=DLFE-540.pdf

Suicide: Suggested Essay Prompts

1. What are some (substitute some with five or the most impactful) ways that someone can help themselves recover from suicidal thoughts?  Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each strategy.  Discuss the obstacles that people may need to overcome to implement each strategy.       

2. What are the warning signs a concerned friend or family member should recognize?  What are the ways that someone can help friends or family members recover from suicidal thoughts or depression?  Discuss the obstacles that people may need to overcome to implement each strategy.

3. What are some of the challenges college students face and the signs that these challenges are negatively impacting the student?  Describe realistic strategies for managing these challenges.  Discuss the obstacles that people may need to overcome to implement each strategy.

This information is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.