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Thoughts of Suicide and What to Do About It
Fighting the Killer Within

Even the birds are effort to be alive. How about you?! A serious problem
 Too many people choose to take their own life, 30,000 each year in the U.S.A. These people suffer from depression, other mental issues or very painful experiences.

Suicide can happen at any age. People age 65 and older have a suicide rate more than 50% higher than the nation as a whole, the highest of any age group. In young people ages 15-24, suicide rates increased more than 200% from the 1950s to the late 1970s. Since then, suicide rates for this group have remained stable or slightly decreased. Suicide ranks third as a cause of death among Americans age 15-24, behind accidents and homicides.

What you can do
If you or someone you know is thinking or talking about killing themselves, always take their words seriously. There are many ways to prevent suicide:

  • Don’t put yourself near weapons, poisons or other dangerous situations. The temptation to kill yourself can increase.
  • If you’re feeling suicidal, talk to as many relatives, friends, or other supportive people who will be compassionate instead of critical. Take walks with them, talk about what’s bothering you. The key is to not to be by yourself.
  • Surround yourself with a self-help support group of people who are or have been in the same situation. Their knowledge can be of great help and you won’t feel so alone.
  • Change your lifestyle by putting yourself in a less stressful environment. Do things that make you feel relaxed and happy.
  • Think positive thoughts! Probably easier said than done but the more you try it, the easier it gets. Or fill your mind with loud music to tune out the depression, but try not to make it so loud it damages your hearing!Stay clam when you want to suicide and think about the people you love and people who love you

Stay clam when you want to commit suicide and think about the people you love and people who love you

  • Exercise and eat right. Exercise helps to "burn up" stress, at least temporarily. Staying healthy makes it easier to feel good about yourself.
  • Remember that we cannot judge our future by our emotions. Our feelings can block clear thinking. Emotions can change dramatically over time, especially with positive actions. By giving yourself time, your thoughts can become clearer.
  • Making a schedule of the most important things to do can help keep you focused. Once a task is complete, cross it out. A daily routine like this can help put you in a new mode.

Many people in distress believe that by ending their lives they will get rid of the pain. To escape emotional pain and secure a happy life we need to end our problems, not our lives.

Seeking treatment from doctors or a therapist can help you find new, inventive ways to enjoy living. Here's a list of Suicide Prevention Centers and Hotlines.

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by Denessa Bachelor, Hearts & Minds volunteer

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This web page and entire website © Copyright: 1997 - 2007 by Hearts and Minds Network, Inc., photos © 2004 by Bill Blackman 
http://www.heartsandminds.org/self/suicide.htm - online June 25, 2004,  latest text changes April 4, 2006.

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