Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys encourages increased awareness of suicide prevention

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention to raise awareness that suicide can be prevented. The tragic death of Robin Williams has drawn the nation’s attention to the topic of suicide. The outpouring of grief for Williams has including extensive conversations on the topics of mental health and suicide prevention. It was reported that Williams was battling severe depression when he took his own life.

Suicide Rate is Increasing

Suicide is an increasing public health concern. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reported that in 2011, the most recent year for which data are available, 39,518 suicides were reported, making suicide the 10th leading cause of death in America. It is estimated that one person will die as the result of suicide every 13 minutes in the U.S. The vast majority suffers from some sort of clinical depression or another mental illness, yet depression is still a misunderstood medical problem.

Psychology Today reported a large increase in suicide rates among 35 to 64 year olds. The publication also reported an increase in males 50 to 59 years old of about 48% and an increase in females 60 to 64 years of age of 60%. Economic factors may have contributed to these increases, as older workers often had a harder time recovering from recession. There is a significant relationship between suicide and unemployment among middle-aged Americans as well, according to a study published in the Social Science and Medicine Journal. Other research has also found a connection between a stressful economy and depression.

Suicide can be prevented. While some suicides may occur without warning, most people who are suicidal do give warnings signs. You can help prevent the suicide of a friend or loved one by learning to recognize the warning signs and learning what to do if you see them.

The Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys shared the following warning signs of suicide:

• Threatening suicide or talking about wanting to die, many people do talk about it first.
• Seeming depressed or in a very low mood
• Pessimism
• Expressing a sense of hopelessness or desperation
• Anxiety
• Withdrawal – losing interest in family friends
• Changes in sleep
• Reckless behavior
• Increased alcohol and/or drug use
• Obtaining a means, such as a gun, poisons or medications.
• Setting affairs in order.
• Exhibiting anger or rage

Take any suicidal behavior or talk seriously, it is not just a warning sign, but also a cry for help. Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs, seek help immediately. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

The family of personal injury lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys is committed to fighting for the rights of our clients. For more information, visit www.munley.com.