Suicide Prevention Week

Suicide Prevention Week for 2010 is set for September 5 through 11.

Florida ranks 17th in the nation in its rate of suicide deaths.  Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States with one suicide occurring on average every 15.2 minutes.  Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among 15- to 24-years-olds.  The elderly make up 12.6% of the population, but comprise 15.7% of all suicides.

Approximately 864,950 Americans attempt suicide each year.

It is estimated that five million living Americans have attempted to kill
themselves.  Every year in the United States, more than 17,000 men and women kill themselves with a gun; two-thirds more than the number who use a gun to kill another person.

An estimated 4.6 million Americans are survivors of the suicide of a friend, family member, or loved one.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or if you hope something bad will happen to you, seek help immediately.  Talk to a friend, a teacher, a doctor, a pastor, or call one of the following numbers:

1-800-273-TALK (8255) - National Suicide Prevention Hotline
727-849-9988 - The Harbor Behavioral Health Care Institute (Pasco County)
727-791-3131 - Suicide Prevention Hotline (Pinellas County)