Vol. 81, No. 2 September 15, 2017
Serving Kilgore College since 1936
How to save a life
Suicide Prevention Week More than twice as many people die by suicide in Texas annually than by homicide; the total deaths to suicide reflect a total of 72,622 years of potential life lost (YPLL) before age 65.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the state of Texas between the ages of 15-34 On average, one person dies by suicide every three hours in the state of Texas.
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Information from afsp.org Photo Illustration by: Taliayah Clark
Don’t be afraid to lend a hand to those in need
N
ational Suicide Prevention week concludes Saturday. The week includes World Suicide Prevention Day, held on Sept. 10. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Each year, 44,193 Americans die by suicide. Suicide is often related to brain functions that affect the decision making process and behavioral control making it difficult for someone to find positive solutions. Don’t be afraid to ask anyone directly if they are contemplating suicide. It won’t put the idea in their head —
most will be relieved that someone cares enough to have a conversation. Seldom does someone take their life for a single reason, such as getting divorced or losing a job. Ninety percent of people who die by suicide have an underlying and potentially treatable mental health condition that combines with known risk factors, such as childhood trauma, substance abuse, or even chronic physical pain, according to the AFSP website. In fact, most people who survive a suicide attempt go on to live healthy lives. Anyone in need can contact one of the four AFSP chapters that serve communities across Texas at afsp.org.
Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255