Running Head: Suicide Prevention

Community Problem: Suicide Prevention

The University of Texas at El Paso
RWS-1301
March 20, 2017
Sebastian Barragan
Running Head: Suicide Prevention

Abstract

Overtime, suicide has become increasingly common in our society. There are many

factors that make the public vulnerable to this phenomenon. Although it is difficult to eliminate

entirely, research shows that there are ways of preventing many. Prevention includes analyzing

demographics, increasing awareness, evaluating risk factors, and discussing treatments. With

increased awareness and education on suicide, we can lower occurences overall.

Running Head: Suicide Prevention

Suicide is a highly sensitive topic of discussion in American culture because of the

exposure it is receiving at all age levels. By exposure, I am referring to the way that information

about the topic is exemplified represented such as in schools, on the news, the internet, and

entertainment. Suicide is defined as death caused by self-directed harm to the body with the

intentions of dying as a result. (NIH, 2014) According to the American Foundation for Suicide

Prevention, it is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. Fortunately, this silent killer is one

that could be prevented, in most cases, through recognition of symptoms and suicidal ideation

prior to most attempts. This illness should not be overlooked due to the fact that it has caused

many deaths in the United States and perhaps around the world. This report will analyze many of

the characteristics of suicide in adults and teenagers, as well as the available treatments for

prevention.

To begin, it is essential to recognize the demographics associated with suicide. For

example, studies have shown that males are more likely to successfully commit suicide 3.5 times

more often than females. I believe this is because men generally have access to weapons and

more aggressive methods of suicide. Females however, are shown to attempt suicide 3 times

more than males. (AFSP, 2017) According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,

the ethnicity with the highest suicide rate in 2015 were Whites. While most people would have

assumed that the age range for the highest suicide rates were in adolescents and teenagers, which

is around 15 to 24, surprisingly it is in ages 45 and 64 years. (AFSP, 2017) Although there are
Running Head: Suicide Prevention

many ways a person can commit suicide such as suffocation, hanging, substance abuse, or

assisted suicide, firearms are the most used and account for 50% of deaths. (AFSP, 2017)

Next, it is important in prevention to identify the potential causes of suicide. Known

causes of suicide include but are not limited to mental health, substance use, poverty, abuse,

tragic events, and bullying. For example, individuals who have mental disorders such as Anxiety,

Unipolar Depression, Schizophrenia, or Insomnia are more likely to attempt suicide. People with

Anxiety are very tense, restless, and worried. Individuals with Unipolar Depression usually lack

energy, have social withdrawals, and have no desire to do anything at all. Those with

Schizophrenia cannot control themselves and have a difficult time concentrating. The reason

some people are diagnosed with Insomnia is due to the fact that they cannot sleep. Another cause

for suicide would be substance use. In order to suppress painful feelings that an individual might

have they will usually turn to alcohol or narcotics. Most of the time, the individual will take large

quantities of one or both of them, leading to death of an overdose. Living in poverty, which is

being very poor, is definitely another cause of suicide because a person may feel useless, out of

place in society, and have nothing to live for. Being abused is an extreme cause of suicide

whether it is physically, emotionally or psychologically. Most individuals who are being abused

by others such as acquaintances or family members feel that committing suicide is the only

option they have to end their agonizing pain and suffering. Tragic events such as the death of a

loved one has been a huge cause for suicide. Bullying has been a problem in areas across the

world whether it is in schools or any location that has teenagers and adolescents. Over a period

of time, it has gotten worse due to social media. Unfortunately, there is no escaping the hazing

that one might get only at school. Platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat

have made users become easy targets.

Running Head: Suicide Prevention

In the process of treating others that have thought of, or attempted, suicide, it is very

important to learn and indicate the symptoms a person might have. The first signs can be

recognized in the home or by those closest to the individual such as friends, or family members.

For example, according to The Complete Psychotherapy Treatment Planner there are many

behavioral factors that occur in those who have suicidal thoughts such as reoccurring thoughts of

death, a plan to commit suicide, feelings of hopelessness, engaging in self-destructive behavior, a

sudden change in mood from being depressed to being happy and at peace or isolation from

others. (Jongsma, 2014) Since suicide can also be caused by mental illnesses, the most common

disorder is Unipolar Depression. The symptoms that should be taken into consideration are loss

of appetite, feeling of extreme sadness, lack of energy and loss of interest or enjoyment in

activities. (Jongsma, 2014) Feelings of stress or anxiety are also symptoms to watch for because

it can make a person feel overwhelmed which may trigger a person to commit suicide.

Lastly, in addition to recognizing causes and symptoms for prevention of suicide, there

are known resources and treatments available. The most immediate relief of suicidal

symptomology is recognition of the previously mentioned behaviors by those closest to the

individual and seeking immediate professional help. Other treatment options include assessment,

inpatient hospitalization, individual psychotherapy, group or family therapy, medications or

electroconvulsive therapy. An assessment treatment is when a psychiatrist gathers and examines

information on a patients psychiatric, medical history and current mental state. (Douglas, 2003)

individual psychotherapy is a patient discussing their personal problems with a professional

counselor. There are goals set for individuals with Depression or thoughts of Suicide such as

stabilizing the suicidal crisis and reestablishing a sense of hope for self and the future.

(Jongsma, 2014) Group therapy is a meeting where two or more family members discuss their
Running Head: Suicide Prevention

issues with a counselor. Medications that patients with suicidal thoughts can be prescribed are

mostly antidepressants. Electroconvulsive therapy is a treatment that requires anesthesia and an

electric current to the brain (ASFP, 2017).

In conclusion, suicide is a preventable cause of death that should not be ignored. Since

this illness is rising, there should also be an increase in awareness. Not only does this action

occur in adults and the elderly, but adolescents become a victim of suicide as well. There are

numerous solutions to treat and care for individuals who have suicidal ideation or will attempt it.

It is definitely possible to decrease the suicide ratings if people acknowledge it and take action.

Life is absolutely essential. It is very important to help those who are losing hope in themselves

and their life.

Running Head: Suicide Prevention

Citations:

OBrien, A. (2017, March 16). American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Retrieved

March 20, 2017, from https://afsp.org/

Suicide Prevention. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2017, from

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

Jacobs, D. (2003) (1st ed.). Retrieved from

https://psychiatryonline.org/pb/assets/raw/sitewide/practice_guidelines/guidelines/suicide.pdf

Jongsma, A. E., Peterson, L. M., & Bruce, T. J. (2014). The Complete Adult

Psychotherapy Treatment Planner. John Wiley & Sons.

T.G. (2016). Computer Science: SUICIDE PREVENTION. ASEE Prism, 26(4), 13-13.

Retrieved from http://0-www.jstor.org.lib.utep.edu/stable/44011927