According to the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD) there are an estimated 30,000 suicides every year in the United States. This number breaks down to four suicides per hour. It is estimated that an attempt is made every minute. In the United States the actual numbers are probably much higher, as many suicides are reported as accidents or illnesses. Suicide is usually the result of a complex combination of emotional, social, and biological factors.

- Each year, there are approximately 10 youth suicides for every 100,000 youth.
- Every day, there are approximately 11 youth suicides.
- Every 2 hours and 11 minutes, a person under the age of 25 completes suicide.
- In the past 60 years, the suicide rate has quadrupled for males 15 to 24 years old, and has doubled for females of the same age.
- Males between the ages of 15 and 19 were 4.4 times more likely than females to complete suicide.
- For every completed suicide by youth, it is estimated that 100 to 200 attempts are made.
- Firearms remain the most commonly used suicide method among youth, accounting for 52% of all completed suicides.
- Research has shown that most adolescent suicides occur after school hours and in the teen’s home.
- Although rates vary somewhat by geographical location, within a typical high school classroom, it is likely that three students (one boy and two girls) have made a suicide attempt in the past year.
- The typical profile of an adolescent nonfatal suicide attempted is a female who ingests pills, while the profile of the typical suicide completer is a male who dies from a gunshot wound.
- Not all adolescent attempters may admit their intent. Therefore, any deliberate self-harming behaviors should be considered serious and in need of further evaluation.
- Most adolescent suicide attempts are precipitated by interpersonal conflicts. The intent of the behavior appears to be to effect change in the behaviors or attitudes of others.
- Repeat attempters (those making more than one nonfatal attempt) generally use their behavior as a means of coping with stress and tend to exhibit more chronic symptomology, poorer coping histories, and a higher presence of suicidal and substance abuse behaviors in their family histories.

· Take it seriously. 75 percent of all people who commit suicide give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member. Keep your eyes and ears open for signs.
· Be willing to listen. Even if professional help is needed, your friend or loved one will be more willing to seek help if you have listened to him or her.
· Voice your concern. Take the initiative to ask what is troubling your friend or loved one and attempt to overcome any reluctance to talk about it.
· Let the person know you care and understand. Reassure your friend or loved one that he or she is not alone. Explain that, although powerful, suicidal feelings are temporary, depression can be treated, and problems can be solved.
· Ask about a plan. Ask if the person has a specific plan for committing suicide and how far he or she has gone in carrying it out. Asking about suicide does not cause a person to think about or commit suicide.
· Get professional help immediately. Bring your friend to a local emergency room or crisis center. Your friend will be more likely to seek help if you accompany him or her. If all else fails, notify your local police, who are trained to these handle situations.
· Follow up on treatment. Take an active role in following up with the treatment process and medications. Be sure to notify the physician about any unexpected side effects or changes in behavior.
· Personal Concerns. If for any reason you are unsure, uncomfortable, or unable to take action, find a responsible adut with whom to share your concerns, or contact your local police. If is better to have an angry friend, than a dead one.
· Whatever you choose to do, the important thing it to make the effort.

Myth: People who talk about suicide don’t commit suicide.
Fact: Of any ten persons who commit suicide, eight have given definite warnings of their intentions.

Myth: A person’s improvement following a suicide attempt means the risk is over.
Fact: Most suicides happen within about three months following the beginning of “improvement” when the person seems to be “getting better.”

Myth: Talking about suicide with someone who is depressed will “put the idea in their head.”
Fact: If a person is not suicidal, they will reject the idea. If they are suicidal, most will welcome the chance to talk about their feelings.

Myth: Suicide is completed more by one age, racial, or economic group than another.
Fact: Suicide occurs, across all members of society. The rate is increasing among the young adult population and is the highest for white males over 40 years old.

Myth: The suicidal person is not responsible for his/her own death.
Fact: The suicidal person is responsible for his/her own death. You can only try to help.

Myth: Suicides occur without warning or “out of the blue.”
Fact: There are warning signs of depression and potential suicide, look for warning signs.

In an Emergency Call: 9-1-1

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide: 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK

In Waukesha County: 2-1-1 or 262-547-3388
211/First Call For Help (FCFH) is an anonymous telephone hotline that provides listening & support, crisis intervention/suicide prevention, and information & referral. 211/FCFH is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week and is free and anonymous.

In Milwaukee County: 414-257-7222
Crisis Line provides phone service and intervention for psychiatric crises including suicide.

American Association of Suicidology

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Mental Health Association in Waukesha County, Inc.

National Mental Health Association

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network

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