NAMI Alger-Marquette http://www.namiam.org/ NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI has become the nation's voice on mental illness, a nationwide organization with affiliates in every state and in more than 1,100 local communities across the country. The National Alliance on Mental Illness-Alger/Marquette offers confidential support groups and educational meetings for individuals living with mental illness, and friends or families living with an individual with mental illness. We are glad you are here!
No suicide attempt should be dismissed or treated lightly! If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). 1-800-784-2433 www.hopeline.com
Suicide Statistics http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/suicide Why Do People Attempt Suicide? A suicide attempt is a clear indication that something is gravely wrong in a person’s life. No matter the race or age of the person; how rich or poor they are, it is true that most people who die by suicide have a mental or emotional disorder. The most common underlying disorder is depression, 30% to 70% of suicide victims suffer from major depression or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder.
Warning Signs of Someone Considering Suicide. Any one of these signs does not necessarily mean the person is considering suicide, but several of these symptoms may signal a need for help: -Verbal suicide threats such as, “You’d be better off without me.” or “Maybe I won’t be around”. -Expressions of hopelessness and helplessness -Previous suicide attempts -Daring or risk-taking behavior -Personality changes -Depression -Giving away prized possessions -Lack of interest in future plans.
Remember: -Eight out of ten people considering suicide give some sign of their intentions. -People who talk about suicide, threaten suicide, or call suicide crisis centers are 30 times more likely than average to kill themselves. -If You Think Someone Is Considering Suicide -Trust your instincts that the person may be in trouble -Talk with the person about your concerns. -Communication needs to include LISTENING -Ask direct questions without being judgmental. -Determine if the person has a specific plan to carry out the suicide. -The more detailed the plan, the greater the risk -Get professional help, even if the person resists -Do not leave the person alone -Do not swear to secrecy -Do not act shocked or judgmental -Do not counsel the person yourself
Resources in Your Community: -Telephone hotlines, can be obtained from the telephone book, -Mental Health Associations, community centers, or United Way chapters -Clergy Medical professionals -Law-enforcement agencies
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 3615 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20016-3007 Phone Number: (202) 966-7300 Fax: (202) 966-2891 Email Address: clinical@aacap.org Website URL: www.aacap.org
American Association of Suicidology Phone Number: (202) 237-2280 Website URL: www.suicidology.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Phone Number: 888-333-AFSP (2377)