Women and Suicide

In high school, we used to run these agonizing drills in basketball called “suicides.” I was discussing these brutal practice exercises the other day with another parent, and she told me that they were no longer referred to as “suicides.” In the past few years, we’ve had several teens commit suicide in our local community, and I suppose the idea is to make as few references as possible to the act of taking one’s own life.
While I don’t think it’s a bad idea to refer to those fierce little sports drills with a less catastrophic name, I do think we have to talk about the issue of real suicide and its effect on women and society.

Suicide rates among women

In the United States, suicide is the 19th leading cause of death among women, and the 8th most frequent cause of death for men. Three times more women than men attempt suicide but, at a minimum, 3 to 4 times more men succeed in committing suicide.
While these figures aren’t completely understood, some health professionals believe that men are more likely than women to kill themselves because they tend to employ more violent (and therefore more effective) means, whereas women are more likely to choose less violent, less effective methods. (To confuse things a little further, the number of middle-aged U.S. women committing suicide has apparently been on the rise of late. This, however, may simply be due to the increased numbers of women entering middle age.)

When to be concerned

If you are thinking about committing suicide, or are concerned about someone close to you, or even if you’re just feeling a bit too overwhelmed by life, it is vital that you take this possibility seriously and get help if necessary. Here are warning signs that indicate someone may be suicidal:

• talks about suicide
• furtively gathers a lethal dose of pills, or assembles some other means of committing suicide
• withdraws from people and activities
• suffers severe mood swings
• is preoccupied with death
• feels hopeless
• abuses drugs and alcohol
• changes eating or sleeping patterns
• engages in risky behaviors
• gives away belongings without a logical explanation
• says goodbye to others
• is severely anxious or agitated

What to do

If you or someone you care about may be suicidal, take it seriously. Encourage or seek professional help, offer support, keep the lines of communication open, be respectful, don’t be judgmental, and remove any dangerous items from the home.
Do not leave a suicidal person alone. If someone is actively suicidal, always seek help. Call 911 or take that person to the hospital emergency department immediately. And never promise to keep anyone's suicidal thoughts or plans a secret. Your help may not ultimately prevent a determined person from taking their own life, but it may help someone in need change their plans and get treatment.