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Resources
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Suicide, Depression and their
Impact on our Communities
NAMI PA is committed to providing education, current
information and news, avenues for advocacy, and resources to address
the issues of suicide and depression. Suicide, the third-leading
cause of death among young people, takes the life of one person
under the age of 25 every two hours and 15 minutes. One in 12 college
students today has made a suicide plan. Every year almost 20 million
people or 10% of the population in the United States suffer from
a depressive illness.
Fast facts: Suicide is an epidemic
in the United States. Suicide is preventable. Suicide and depression
are linked. Treatment works.
Suicide- some facts:
- Suicide took the lives of 30,000 Americans in 1999
- More people die from suicide than homicide
- Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death for all Americans
- It is the third leading cause for young people
- Males are 4x more likely to die from suicide than females
- Females are more likely to attempt suicide than men
- Suicide rates increase with age, and are highest after 65 yrs
- Firearms are the most common method of suicide
What is depression?
- Depressive disorders are illnesses that involve the body, mood,
and thoughts
- It affects eating & sleeping, how you feel about yourself,
and the way you think about things.
- It is not the same as a passing blue mood
- It is not a sign of weakness, and cannot be willed away
- Without treatment symptoms can last for weeks, months or years.
- Appropriate treatment helps most people
Warning Signs:
- Hopelessness
- Change in eating or sleeping habits
- Giving away possessions
- Purchasing a firearm
- Isolation
- Lack of interest in activities
- Discussion or threat of suicide
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