ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Suicide is preventable. Most people contemplating suicide want to live, they are just unable to see alternatives to their problems.
They often view their situation as hopeless.
Most often, suicidal people are temporarily overwhelmed with real life events. These include interpersonal relationship or marital difficulties, separation, divorce, financial problems, pending legal actions, work problems, loss of employment, loss of a loved one and illness.
Suicide cuts across all ranks and ages as well as economic, social, religious and ethnic boundaries.
Many suicidal people give warnings of their suicidal intentions, but we are often unaware of the significance or do not know how to respond.
Anyone could need help at some time in their life.
Recognize the warning signs, such as:
• Major life transitions
• Severe, prolonged or unmanageable stress
• History of abuse
• Feel sad, "blue" or in a depressed mood
• Experiencing relationship/family problems
• Financial concerns
• Have trouble eating or sleeping
• Losing interest in hobbies, work or school
• Lost interest in appearance
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Significant weight gain or loss
• Can't think clearly, make decisions or get control
• Withdrawing from friends, loved ones or social activities
• Can't see things as worthwhile or a future without pain
• Recent or severe loss (job, death of friend, major illness, academic failure)
• Have family, marital or sexual problems
Suicide is sometimes misunderstood. As a result, it has stigma that not only hinders the grieving process, but can keep people from seeking the help they need in the first place.
Here are some facts you may or may not have known about suicide:
Suicide, or ending one's own life, is a tragic event with strong emotional repercussions for survivors and for families of its victims.
More than 44,000 people in the U.S. killed themselves in 2015, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making it the 10th leading cause of death overall.
Men are especially at risk, with a suicide rate approximately four times higher than women.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death for those between the ages of 15-24 in the state of Alabama.
In Alabama, it is the fourth leading cause of death for ages 10-14 and 24-44 and it is the sixth leading for ages 45-54.
Take a minute, save a life. If you find someone in crisis, help or get them help.
There is help on the depot: contact the Community Counseling Center at 256-235-6294. The National Suicide Prevention Crisis line is 800-273-8255. This hotline is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
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