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The Mississippi Department of Mental Health has launched a statewide youth suicide prevention campaign entitled, Shatter the Silence Suicide, The Secret You Shouldnt Keep.
The campaign targets young adults in Mississippi. The campaign encourages youth to speak out if they or someone they know is thinking, writing or talking about suicide. DMH has created brochures and posters that will be distributed statewide beginning September 1.
Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in Mississippi for young people ages 15 24. The MS High School Survey for the Youth Risk Behavior (2007) reported that 13.4% of students seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months and 10.6% of students made a plan about how they would commit suicide in the past 12 months.
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Warning Signs
- Talking about suicide
- Thinking about suicide
- Reading about suicide
- Writing about suicide
- Talking about feeling worthless or hopeless
- Losing interest in activities
- Using or increasing use of drugs or alcohol
- Any changes from typical behaviors such as having problems at school and/or not wanting to go out with friends
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What to Do
- Be honest and express your concern
- Listen and offer support
- Ask directly about thoughts of suicide
- Take them seriously if they are thinking about suicide
- Find help
- Offer to accompany them to seek help
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What Not to Do
- Think it will go away
- Keep it a secret
- Argue with the person
- Think nothing can be done
- Think you can fix it all by yourself
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Where to Go For Help
- Go to the nearest emergency room
- Call 911
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK
- Visit www.dmh.state.ms.us
- Visit www.whatadifference.org
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Why Do People Keep Suicide a Secret?
The stigma or negative thoughts associated with mental illness causes many people not to seek help. When people are having problems and do not seek help, sometimes they may begin to feel hopeless. Hopelessness can lead to thoughts of suicide.
Mental health problems are surprisingly common. Mental illness can happen to anyone; no one is immune. They are equal opportunity diseases, striking families of all walks of life, regardless of age, race, income, religion or education.
People with mental illness can recover or manage their conditions and go on to lead happy, healthy, productive lives. One of the most important factors in recovery is the understanding and acceptance of friends.
You can be the first step in someone’s recovery, just by supporting them. Be there for your friends if they have a mental illness.
FACT or FICTION
Fiction: You can’t stop people who want to kill themselves.
Fact: Most suicidal people do not really want to die. They just want their pain to stop.
Fiction: Talking to my friend about suicide will only make it worse.
Fact: Talking through feelings with your friends and trusted adults can help you realize the need for help. By showing concern and support, you can encourage your friend to talk to their parents or another trusted adult about getting help.
Fiction: Telling someone that my friend is talking about suicide is betraying their trust.
Fact: Depression and thoughts of suicide interferes with a person’s ability or wish to get help. It is an act of true friendship to share your concerns with a trusted adult.
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