Miss Spartanburg 2007

Suicide Prevention and Awareness 

      On February 22, 2003 my father committed suicide.  I never would have thought that at the age of sixteen, I would be without a father.  In an instant, my family lost one of the most important things in our lives.  However, I gained strength in knowing that I could help others because of the tragedy I had experienced.  I hope to raise awareness throughout the community about the warning signs of suicide and strategies for prevention.  My goal is to help save lives.  Together we can prevent deaths by suicide.  I knew that I had to take the tragedy in my life and turn it into something positive.  I will never forget the amazing sixteen years that I had with my dad, and he stays in my heart.  Lets work together, and Make a difference!

I recently started my own support group for the survivors of suicide.  It is also important to me to help others get through the grief process.  It was important for me to be surrounded by others throughout my time of grief.  I hope to be a source of encouragement for others and someone that they can depend on.  I believe that people who have experienced loss due to suicide, play a major role in prevention.

Warning signs:

• Someone threatening to hurt or kill themselves, or talking about harming themselves
• Someone looking for ways to end their own life, and having access to lethal means.
• Someone Talking or writing about death
• Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
• Rage, uncontrolled anger, or wanting revenge
• Acting recklessly
• Feeling trapped or having no reason for living; no sense of purpose
• Alcohol or Drug use
• Withdrawing from everyone and usual activities
• Anxiety, agitation, and trouble sleeping
• Dramatic mood changes

Emotions related to Grief:                                           Statistics:

• Shock                                                           -In the year 2001, Suicide was the 11th leading cause of death
• Guilt                                                   -73% of all suicide deaths are white males
• Despair                                            -There are an estimated 25 suicide attempts for every suicide death
• Stress                                             -On average, 1 person every 16.6 minutes takes their own life         
• Rejection                                          -It is estimated that every suicide death immediately affects 6
• Confusion                                          other people
• Helplessness                                       -Women report attempting suicide three times as often in their
• Denial                                                 lifetime as men
• Anger                                              -55% of suicides were committed using a firearm
• Pain                                                -Out of every 100 people, 7 men and 1 woman will commit suicide

Prevention:

• Always take individuals seriously, when someone is talking about committing suicide
• Make it your responsibility to be the person they trust and get them help

Links:

• The Jason Foundation
• National Institute of Mental Health
• American Association of Suicidology