Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Resources

CyberBulling Research Center: Blue Whale Challengehttp://cyberbullying.org/blue-whale-challenge Opens in new window

Preventing Youth Suicide Quick Tips:https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/preventing-youth-suicide Opens in new window

Preventing Youth Suicide for Families and Educators:https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/preventing-youth-suicide/preventing-youth-suicide-tips-for-parents-and-educators Opens in new window

Save A friend – Tips for Teens on Preventing Youth Suicide”

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/preventing-youth-suicide/save-a-friend-tips-for-teens-to-prevent-suicide Opens in new window

Guidance for Families and Educators about Netflix Series “13 Reasons Why”https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/preventing-youth-suicide/13-reasons-why-netflix-series-considerations-for-educators Opens in new window

National Alliance on Mental Health Mainehttp://www.namimaine.org Opens in new window

Access Health Mainehttp://www.midcoasthealth.com/wellness/Opens in new window

Our Nation’s Young and Suicide

https://www.purdueglobal.edu/news-resources/young-and-suicide/Opens in new window

Suicide

Home › Treatment › Co-Occurring Disorders ›

The connection between suicide and drug and alcohol addiction is an all too tragic one. Not only are suicidal thoughts are likely to lead to drug and alcohol abuse, but suicide is more likely as a result of substance abuse.

The Scope of the Suicide and Addiction Problem

Suicide, the intentional killing of one’s self, is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with an average of 121 suicides per day. In previous years, 44,000 American lives were lost to suicide. Statistics suggest men are more likely to complete suicide, while women are more likely to attempt suicide. Suicide affects Americans of all ages. Sadly, it is the second leading cause of death for 15 to 25 year olds in the US. However, the greatest total number of suicide are by individuals 65 and older.

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Suicide and Co-Occurring Disorders

Suicidal thoughts affect one’s emotional and psychological well-being in a myriad of ways. Individuals with mental health disorders frequently attempt to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, as drugs can appear to provide temporary relief to combat emotional and mental pain. For example, anxiety sufferers may turn to alcohol to find relaxation in the midst of their stress or to feel more daring and exciting in social situations, and individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may turn to alcohol to ease inner stress. When this self-medication turns into addiction, the addiction and mental health disorder are known as co-occurring disorders. Common co-occurring disorders include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Eating disorders
• Low self-esteem
• ADD/ADHD
• Trauma from relationships
• Trauma from childhood

90% of individuals who fall victim to suicide have a mental health disorder, most commonly depression. Many who suffer from major depressive disorder have attempted, contemplated, or have fallen victim to suicide.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is another common disorder among those who have fallen victim to suicide. PTSD and suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts) can be a result of exposure to severe injuries or trauma. Military personnel who have experience trauma such as losing friends in active combat often suffer from PTSD. These feelings of agitation, loss, and panic attacks may lead to increased drug and alcohol use as a source of comfort. Veterans who feel hopeless and abuse alcohol while struggling with suicidal ideation are more likely to attempt or complete suicide.