In the United States, more than 72,000 teens are treated in hospitals yearly because of attempted suicide. Usually suicide occurs as a result of untreated depression. Girls attempt suicide more than guys, but guys are more likely to actually go through with it. If you are thinking about suicide – seek help immediately. Suicide is a “permanent solution to a temporary problem.”
What are the warning signs of suicide?
- Depression
- Giving away possessions
- Saying goodbye like it is permanent
- Lack of personal hygiene and not keeping up with physical appearance
- Suicide threats – even joking about it
- Comments such as “I’d be better off dead,” “There’s no point in living,” “Soon you will not have to worry about me,” or “If I died, people would like me more”
- Obsession with death – including artwork and essays that are about death
Suicide Hotline
- 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
- 1-800-SUICIDE
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org