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Learn the warning signs for suicide.
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Reach out and stay involved.
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Start the conversation.
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Be direct and ask questions; even the ones you may be afraid to ask.
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After years of declining, the suicide rate in our country has been increasing, now at about 125% of the rate of several decades ago.
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This increase accelerated after 2006. Although all age groups showed an increase, the rate among women, particularly adolescent girls, took a notable jump. In 2012 suicide was the second leading cause of death in adolescents ages 12 to 19 years, accounting for more deaths in this age group than cancer, heart disease, influenza, pneumonia, diabetes mellitus, human immunodeficiency virus, and stroke combined.
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Actual suicide is just the tip of the iceberg, since, at least among adolescent girls who attempt it, typically, with a drug overdose, there are as many as 90 attempts for every death.
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Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves.
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Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online or buying a gun
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Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
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Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
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Talking about being a burden to others.
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Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
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Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
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Sleeping too little or too much.
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Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
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Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
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Displaying extreme mood swings.