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Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health

Module 4 Suicide

OVERVIEWWhat we will cover

ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH DEPRESSION SUICIDE INTERGENERATIONAL ISSUES

DOMESTIC ABUSE

SUICIDE IN AMERICA

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. The suicide rate in America is the highest it’s been in more than 25 years. http://www.monroenews.com/news/2014/oct/08/americans-living-longer-most-death-rates-fall/?sharper-focus

Why do people have suicidal thoughts?

Most often, suicidal thoughts are the result of feeling like you can't cope with what

seems to be an overwhelming life situation. If you don't have hope for the future, you may mistakenly think suicide is a solution

(Mayo Clinic). Suicidal thoughts are not caused by magic, bad luck or spirits.

THIS IS HOW SUICIDE IMPACTS THE ARAB COMMUNITY

An Arab woman commits suicide, shocks community

Assil Srour Makki, a 19 year-old Dearborn resident took her own life, shocking her loved ones and community members. She moved to the United States from Lebanon when she was 13 years old. She was married to Fouad Makki for a year and a half and had an 8 month-old son. Makki’s mother in law described her as “a good person, very polite and quiet.” However, she added that Makki had a troubled childhood and was raised by her aunt after her parents abandoned her. News of her death sparked emotional reactions from shocked community members.

http://www.arabamericannews.com/news/news/id_8136/19-year-old-woman-commits-suicide,-shocks-community.html

SUICIDE RISK FACTORS

Family violence or abuse

Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others

History of mental disorders or substance abuse

Prior suicide attempts

Chronic physical illness or pain

Trauma, especially from war or incarceration

The Arab-American (AA) population in the US are exposed to discrimination and acculturative stress—two factors that have been associated with higher suicide risk.

These factors increase the likelihood of someone trying to take their own life:

RECOGNIZE THE SIGNSHow to tell if someone is contemplating suicide

Taking risks that could cause injury or death, such as jumping from high places or running red lights

Losing interest in things they used to care about

Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless

Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

Anyone can be at risk of suicide, but these factors increase the likelihood of someone trying to take their own life:

Believing or saying that the world would be better without them

Unexpected switch from being very sad to being very calm or happy

Shame: They do not want to be perceived as ill,

even though they are suffering

Fear: They do not think they will be believed

Hopelessness: They believe that there is no way

medical professionals can help them

WHY DON’T PEOPLE SEEK HELP

https://www.flickr.com/photos/kjcs/8369468381

HOW TO PREVENT SUICIDE

Early Detection

Diagnosis

Support Treatment

The best way to prevent suicide is through early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of depression and other mood disorders. Always try to support people in your community and always take suicide seriously.

The underlying factors that push people to suicide can be addressed with therapy, counseling and/or psychotropic medication.

WHAT TO DO

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, get help right away:

Reach out to a family member or close friend

Make an appointment with a doctor

Contact a spiritual leader or someone in your faith

community

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at

800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a

trained counselor

Call the LA County DMH Access Hotline at 1-800-854-7771

HOW TO FOLLOW UP

Call the LA County DMH Access Hotline at 1-800-854-7771