Suicide
Samaritans exist to help prevent negative feelings from escalating to despair and suicide. Statistics are horrifying: approximately 30,000 people take their own lives each year in this country. It is likely that the actual number is higher. Due to the shame and stigma attached to suicide, an undetermined number of deaths are labeled accidents. Many people are hospitalized each year because of attempted suicide.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 24, exceeded only by accidents and homicides.
The suicide rate for those aged 65+ is 50% higher than for all other age groups.
Warning Signs
Many of these are the same as those listed for depression.
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Lack of energy
- A persistent feeling of sadness
- Change in sleep or eating patterns: an increase or decrease in either or both
- Difficulty in concentrating or making decisions
- Withdrawal from family or friends
In addition:
- Sudden change in attitude – for example, a very depressed person becomes calm and happy (because he or she has decided to end it all, and experiences great relief)
- Giving away prized possessions
- Saying "good-bye" or "I won’t need this" or "I’m going away soon" with no destination mentioned
Those who seriously contemplate suicide often indicate that they can see no other way to alleviate pain and suffering. Their mental anguish is such that they believe they can bear it no longer, and feel that death is the only way out.
Samaritans provide a "safety valve" by allowing a caller to express feelings freely, with confidentiality and anonymity. Guaranteed. A Samaritan will intervene only with a caller’s permission.
Those who loved a person who committed suicide are devastated. In addition to the loss, survivors are left with guilt ("I could have prevented it; what did I do wrong?"), along with the burden of shame and stigma. People continue to be reluctant to speak of the death of a suicide, causing those left behind even greater sorrow.