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Suicide & Depression
Suicide is a significant public health crisis that has lasting effects on individuals, families, and the community. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports that is the second leading cause of death among people between the ages of 15 and 34 in Michigan, and the 10th overall leading cause of death in Michigan.
Risk Factors
Risk factors are characteristics or conditions that can increase the chance that a person may try to take their life. Suicide risk factors include: a prior suicide attempt, the loss of a loved one to suicide, alcohol and drug use, mental and/or physical illness, feelings of hopelessness, access to lethal means, and a history of self-injury.
Warning Signs
It is important to recognize suicide warning signs so the person can receive help. These can include:
- Thinking, talking about, or threatening suicide
- Giving things away, writing a will, apologizing for old arguments, and visiting old friends, relatives, teachers
- Increase in drug or alcohol use
- Impulsive thoughts of death and dying
- Withdrawing from friends and activities
- Obtaining the means for suicide
According to Psychology Today, a 2014 research study found predictors and risk factors for suicidal thoughts, attempts and completion.
Predictors of Suicidal Thoughts
- Prior history of suicidal thoughts
- A sense of hopelessness
- A diagnosis of depression
- A history of being abused by someone else
- An anxiety disorder diagnosis.
Predictors of Suicide Attempts
- Prior self-harming activity
- Prior suicide attempt
- Any personality disorder diagnosis
- Prior psychiatric hospitalization
Predictors of Suicide Completion
- A prior psychiatric hospitalization
- A prior suicide attempt
- Prior history of suicidal thoughts
- Low socioeconomic status
- Stressful life events
Suzy Berschback
Healthy Communities Manager, Beaumont Health
Don’t Wait to Act
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text GO to 741741 for immediate support.
What to do
If you know a person who exhibits some of the risk factors for becoming suicidal or engaging in suicidal behavior, CARE can provide the appropriate services and suicide prevention program information to ensure those in need receive the appropriate help.
Please call CARE’s office at 586-218-2273 or the Macomb County Crisis Center at 586-307-9100.
CARE also provides Mental Health First Aid training to local groups to assist non-mental health professionals in learning the signs and symptoms for suicide, mental illness, and substance abuse. Contact our main office to learn more or to schedule a training.
We will never give up on you. We’re here for you when you’re ready.
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