Suicide Awareness Thread

First of all let's get the basics out of the way: I will absolutely not tolerate any offensive, ignorant or otherwise noncontributory attitudes in this thread. Keep it civil. This is what the NHS has to say about suicide: [quote]Suicide is the act of intentionally ending your life. If you are reading this because you have, or have had, thoughts about taking your own life, it's important you ask someone for help. It's probably difficult for you to see at this time, but you're not alone and not beyond help. Many people who have had suicidal thoughts say they were so overwhelmed by negative feelings they felt they had no other option. However, with support and treatment they were able to allow the negative feelings to pass.[/quote] The BBC: [quote]Often, they have been feeling stressed or down for some time. Things like family problems, exam pressure or bullying can make us unhappy. They feel despair. There seems no way out of the problems. Nobody seems to help. They think they'd rather be dead. Sometimes there is a 'final straw': getting dumped, failing an exam or feeling threatened. This becomes confusing and frightening - people may drink alcohol or take drugs, and it becomes self-destructive.[/quote] Some statistics: [quote]Suicide is the second biggest cause of death worldwide among 15-19 year olds. British men are three times more likely as British women to die by suicide. Girls are more likely to attempt suicide than boys. The suicide rate for males in the UK is at its highest since 2002.[/quote] And let's clear up some of the myths surrounding suicide: [quote][b]Myth: You have to be mentally ill to even think about suicide.[/b] Fact: Most people have thought of suicide from time to time and not all people who die by suicide have mental health problems at the time of death. However, many people who kill themselves do suffer with their mental health, typically to a serious degree. Sometimes it’s known about before the person’s death and sometimes not. [b]Myth: People who talk about suicide aren’t serious and won’t go through with it.[/b] Fact: People who kill themselves have often told someone that they do not feel life is worth living or that they have no future. Some may have actually said they want to die. While it’s possible that someone might talk about suicide as a way of getting the attention they need, it’s vitally important to take anybody who talks about feeling suicidal seriously. [b]Myth: Once a person has made a serious suicide attempt, that person is unlikely to make another. [/b] Fact: People who have tried to end their lives before are significantly more likely to eventually die by suicide than the rest of the population. [b]Myth: If a person is serious about killing themselves then there is nothing you can do.[/b] Fact: Often, feeling actively suicidal is temporary, even if someone have been feeling low, anxious or struggling to cope for a long period of time. This is why getting the right kind of support at the right time is so important. [b]Myth: Talking about suicide is a bad idea as it may give someone the idea to try it. [/b] Fact: Suicide can be a taboo topic in society. Often, people feeling suicidal don’t want to worry or burden anyone with how they feel and so they don’t discuss it. By asking directly about suicide you give them permission to tell you how they feel. People who have felt suicidal will often say what a huge relief it is to be able to talk about what their experiencing. Once someone starts talking they’ve got a better chance of discovering other options to suicide. [b]Myth: Most suicides happen in the winter months.[/b] Fact: Suicide is more common in the spring and summer months. [b]Myth: People who threaten suicide are just attention seeking and shouldn’t be taken seriously.[/b] Fact: People who threaten suicide should always be taken seriously. It may well be that they want attention in the sense of calling out for help, and giving them this attention may save their life. [b]Myth: People who are suicidal want to die.[/b] Fact: The majority of people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die; they do not want to live the life they have. The distinction may seem small but is in fact very important and is why talking through other options at the right time is so vital.[/quote] [b]Facts about suicide around the world[/b] 1 million people across the globe die by suicide each year. That’s one suicide every 40 seconds. More people die by suicide each year than by murder and war combined. It’s estimated that approximately 5% of people attempt suicide at least once in their life. Between 10% and 14% of the general population have suicidal thinking throughout their lifetime. Suicide is the second biggest cause of death worldwide among 15-19 year olds. 100,000 adolescents die by suicide every year. Suicide is estimated to be under-reported for reasons of stigma, religion and social attitudes. Many suicides are hidden among other causes of death, such as road traffic accidents and drowning. [spoiler]Considering how I have been recently, this is a very difficult thread for me to make, and I almost decided against it. But I feel it's too important to pass up the opportunity, especially after viewing some of the viewpoints on here regarding suicide. I'll reiterate: keep it civil.[/spoiler] As always, I'll do my best to answer any questions you may have. [i]If you're feeling suicidal or depressed, it's vital you reach out for help. Contact somebody you trust in order to get proper help, or get in touch with a professional yourself. If you ever have the urge to harm yourself in one way or another, please go on the internet and look up a hotline that exists in your country. My PM box is always open to anybody feeling low. Please remember, there are people out there who will, and want to, help you. It's isn't your fault. [/i] [quote]Bungie does not condone discussion of suicide on the forums of Bungie.net. Life is precious, and suicide is a serious issue to be handled by licensed professionals. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).[/quote]