HEALTH TOPICS A-Z

Suicide Prevention

Spokane County - Suicide Prevention Resources (PDF)
Local resources, including counseling, treatment, support services, prevention education, and information about the Spokane County Suicide Prevention Coalition

Elder Depression, What You Need to Know (PDF)
Older adults have a 50% higher risk for suicide than young people or the nation as a whole, and white men over the age of 80 are six times more likely to commit suicide than any other demographic group. This brochure discusses depression screening & lists area resources.

Reporting on Suicide: Recommendations for the Media
The media can play a powerful role in educating the public about suicide prevention. Stories about suicide can inform, but have the potential to do harm. Following these suggestions when covering suicide can help decrease suicide rates.

Suicide in Spokane County – 2005-2009 fact sheet (PDF)

• Threatening to or talking about hurting or killing themselves
• Seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means of suicide
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary

• Increased substance (alcohol or drug) use
• No reason for living; no sense of purpose in life
• Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
• Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
• Hopelessness
• Withdrawal from friends, family, and society
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
• Dramatic mood changes

• Take it seriously.
• Ask the question “Are you thinking about suicide?” This will show the person that you are concerned about them. You will open communication and allow the person to express their thoughts freely.
• Listen intently to their reasons for wanting to die and listen for reasons that they have to live (you may have to help them recognize these).
• Persuade them to seek help from a qualified professional or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for help.
• If he or she has expressed an immediate plan, or has access to a gun or other potentially deadly means, do not leave him or her alone.
  

Links to additional information:

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
  
• National Suicide Lifeline brochure (PDF)
• QPR Institute
• Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN) USA
• YSPP - Youth Suicide Prevention Program