National Survivors of Suicide Day

Every year since 1998, the Saturday before Thanksgiving the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention sponsors National Survivors of Suicide Day, which gives those who have lost someone to suicide the opportunity to come together for support, healing, information, and empowerment. AFSP.org will have a 90 minute broadcast to help the survivors cope with the loss of loved ones with the help from other experienced survivors and mental health professionals.

The AFSP website has an abundance of information about suicide and how the survivors of suicide can cope with their loss, current research, and suicide prevention.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Statistics say that in the U.S. some dies by suicide every 16 minutes. Suicide is an epidemic that has affected all types of people, no matter what age group or ethnicity. Out of a hundred thousand young people from 15-24 there are approximately 20 suicide deaths. Of every 100,000 people over the age of 65 there are 14.5 suicide deaths.

There are many risk factors, including depression, mental disorders, substance abuse, family history of suicide, and especially a prior suicide attempt. Also risk factors are a sudden life changes and stress like loss of a loved one, a breakup, family disruptions, and other traumatic events. By considering these risk factors and observing several warning signs of suicidal behavior, such as giving away possessions, talking about wanting to die, sudden change in personality, reckless behavior, and unwillingness to talk, you could possibly prevent a friend or loved one from attempting suicide.

Never leave someone you suspect to be suicidal alone. Try to get that person to seek professional medical attention from their doctor or the nearest emergency room. Call 911.

Research has found that risks of suicide is associated with changes in neurotransmitters, including a decrease in the chemical serotonin. Though medicinal treatments don't work for everyone, anti-depressants like Cymbalta help the brain retain the right amount of chemicals like serotonin and eliminate the hopelessness and sadness associated with depression. Studies have showed that cognitive and psychotherapy half the chance of someone trying to repeatedly commit suicide.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is a toll free number available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you or anyone else is considering suicide you can make a confidential call to 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 32,000 people die of suicide each year, leaving their loved ones devastated by the loss.