Why Suicide?

	Sometimes problems can seem overwhelming and your circumstances hopeless. Trying to end your life is NEVER THE ANSWER.
	When you’re feeling down, alone & lost, REACH OUT. Let others share with you reasons to keep living and hoping.

               Common Myths About Suicide

Myth:   "People Who Threaten Suicide Are Just Seeking Attention"                                                                Fact:     That person IS asking for your attention. People who are talking about suicide need your attention; they need your help in finding a way out of the intense emotional pain they are feeling. All talk of suicide should be treated seriously. DON'T dismiss talk of suicide as simply an attention-getting device. The attention they get, may well save their lives.   

Myth:   "Talking About suicide May Give Someone the Idea"
Fact:     If you are thinking you need to talk with someone about their thoughts of suicide, something has led you to ask that question. You may have noticed a change in their behavior, perhaps they have been talking directly or indirectly about wanting to die. If the chance that this person may be suicidal has crossed your mind, chances are, it has crossed their mind. You aren't putting the idea where it already was. So talking about suicide won't give someone the idea. Quite the opposite is true bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.

Myth:   "People Who Talk About Suicide Won't Really Do It"
Fact:     Almost everyone who completes or attempts suicide has given some clue or warning. DON'T ignore suicide threats. Statements like "you won't have to put up with me much longer", "It really doesn't matter anymore", no matter how casually or jokingly said may indicate serious suicidal feelings.  That is why it is so important to be aware of the warning signs:

Withdrawal from friends and/or social activities. Experience of recent, severe loss (especially relationship). Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school, etc. Giving away prized possessions. Previous Suicide Attempt(s). Loss of interest in personal appearance. Increase in the use of alcohol and/or drugs. Some individuals may express a sense of hopelessness. Others may be faced with a situation of humiliation or failure. While others may have a history of violence or hostility and/or be unwilling to seek help. This list is not a complete list as warning signs are as unique as the individuals who exhibit them. However, it's so important that you make yourself as aware of them as you possibly can.  Be mindful of the words and actions of those around you. When in doubt, take the time to stop and ask what's going on.

Everybody feels down from time to time but it seems to work itself out. The feelings and symptoms associated with Depression, however, linger and no matter how hard a person tries to talk him/herself into feeling better, it just doesn't happen. People can't snap themselves out of depression.  It is not a character flaw or a personal weakness and it doesn't have anything to do with willpower. Depression is more than a mood, it's an illness. Depression affects nearly 10% of Americans age 18 and over in any given year or more than 19 million people. More American's suffer from Depression than Coronary Heart Disease (7 Million), Cancer (6 Million) and AIDS (200,000) combined. Depression will affect 1 in 10 men and 1 in 4 women over the course of their lifetime. Over 60% of all people who die by suicide suffer from Depression.  The sad part is people often don't get the help they need because of the stigma attached to it.

IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL:
9-1-1

RAP's Crisis and Suicide, Information and Referral Hotlines:

Genesee County:  (585) 343-1212 or 1-800-359-5727
Orleans County:  1-800-889-1903
Wyoming County: 1-800-786-3300

Suicide is a tragedy that can be prevented.

 "To the World You May Only Be One Person, But to One Person You May Be the World"