By Sarah Allen/reporter
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young adults 25-34 years of age with about 2,500 suicide deaths in Texas a year, NW students learned April 17.
Counseling and advising assistant director Lily Calzada and special services coordinator Anna Hinman presented ASK about Suicide, a health and wellness seminar to help people know where and how to refer someone to help who is at risk for suicidal behavior.
“It’s proven that more males die by suicide and more females attempt,” Calzada said.
Although there is no one cause, 90 percent of those who die by suicide have an underlying mental health or a substance abuse condition, Calzada said.
Mental and addictive disorders, often co-occurring, are the greatest risk factors for suicide with bipolar disorders and schizophrenia having the strongest association with suicidal behavior.
Some warning signs that could be chronic or moderate risk include feeling like there’s no reason for living, feeling trapped or hopeless or having dramatic mood changes, anxiety or agitation.
It’s often hard to confront people and ask if they are suicidal, Calzada said.
Instead of being direct, she suggested saying, “Sometimes when people are as sad as you are, they think about suicide. Have you ever thought about it?” Or, “Do you ever want to go to bed and never wake up?”
No one needs to be alone in these situations, and people can always ask for help, Calzada said. Suicide can be avoided.
“You can save a life,” Calzada said. “Ask about suicide, seek more information and keep safe. Know how and where to refer.”
