Suicide Prevention

Each year in Linn County approximately 30 people die by suicide, and 70% of those people tell someone or give warning signs before taking their own life. Studies have shown that over 90% of people who die from suicide have one or more psychiatric disorders at the time of their death. Luckily, there are ways to treat and control these disorders and potentially prevent suicide.

Did you know that...

70% of people who die by suicide tell someone about it in advance, and most are not in treatment.
Those who have made serious attempts are at much higher risk for actually taking their lives. Between 20 and 40% of people who kill themselves have previously attempted suicide.
Nearly 50% of suicide victims have a positive blood alcohol level.
Although most depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are depressed.
Serious depression can be manifested in obvious sadness, but often is expressed instead as a loss of pleasure or withdrawal from activities that were once enjoyable.
Sometimes those contemplating suicide talk as if they are saying goodbye or going away forever.

Answer the questionnaires at the bottom of the page to find out if you or someone you know needs help.

Learn how to recognize the warning signs

Learn how to recognize the warning signs in order to reach out and help. If you suspect a friend, family member or co-worker is considering suicide, ACT now: Acknowledge, Care, and help them get the Treatment they need.

Your friend may have told you that they are considering suicide, or you may have recognized the signs and symptoms on your own. Either way, it is important that you take these warning signs seriously, and tell your friend that you care about them, and that you are concerned. Because suicide is so often linked with mental illness, your friend may not be able to get the help they need without you. Here's how to ACT to help a friend, co-worker or loved one that you are concerned about.

ACT Now: Acknowledge, Care, Treatment

Acknowledge

Do take it seriously. 70% of all people who die by suicide give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member.
Do be willing to listen. Even if professional help is needed, your loved one will be more willing to seek help if you have listened to them.

Care

Do voice your concern. Take the initiative to ask what is troubling your loved one, and attempt to overcome any reluctance on their part to talk about it.
Let the person know you care and understand. Reassure them that they are not alone. Explain that even if it seems hard to believe right now, suicidal feelings (although powerful) are only temporary, and that the usual cause (depression) can be treated.
Ask if the person has a specific plan. Ask if a suicide plan exists, and if so, how far have they gone in carrying it out? (Please note: asking about suicide does not cause a person to think about (or decide on) suicide. This is a myth!)

Treatment

Do get professional help immediately.
If the person seems unwilling to accept treatment...
- Call 1-800-304-7468 or a local emergency room for resources and advice.
If the person seems willing to accept treatment, do one of the following:
- Call 988
- Bring them to a local emergency room or community mental health center. Your friend will be more likely to seek help if you accompany them.
- Contact their primary care physician or mental health provider.