Suicide Prevention Week: Looking for warning signs can save a life Published Sept. 14, 2007 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Air Force Base Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Actor Owen Wilson attempted suicide in late August. His situation brings light to a harsh reality, that he isn't alone. As National Suicide Prevention Week continues through Saturday, experts are informing the general public about the grim facts. "Suicide is often the result of untreated depression or other mental health disorders," said Katherine Cruise, communications manager for Screening for Mental Health, which collaborates with local organizations to offer screenings for mental health disorders. Military personnel and their family members are eligible to take online and telephone mental health screenings through SMH's Mental Health Self-Assessment program at www.mentalhealthscreening.org or 877-877-3647. "Studies show the vast majority of people who receive appropriate treatment improve, or recover completely," Ms. Cruise said. Even though suicide rates among Airmen have dropped as recent as five years ago, the number of Americans who think about or attempt suicide can still be considered startling. Five percent of Americans think about suicide each year and more than 800,000 people attempt it, according to the American Association of Suicidology. As recent as 2002, the suicide rate was 8.3 per 100,000 Airmen, the second lowest it had been in 20 years, Ms. Cruise said. Though it's safe to say not all depressed people will die by suicide, most of those whom attempt a self-inflicted death are depressed, Ms. Cruise said. In addition to the obvious advice discouraging suicide, experts are offering statistics and methods to help aid troubled individuals and those trying to protect them. For starters, Ms. Cruise said, talking is important. Through talking, the suicidal may offer clues. Trigger phrases to listen for include, "I wish I were dead," "I'm going to end it," and "What's the point of living?" are warning signs. To others, talking may discourage someone from attempting suicide. "It has been found that 70 percent of people who take their own lives tell someone or give warning signs," Ms. Cruise said. Furthermore, many suicidal people don't realize their problems are temporary. "Suicide is often referred to as a 'permanent solution to a temporary problem,'" Ms. Cruise said. "It is important to realize crises are usually time-limited. Solutions are found, feelings change, unexpected positive events occur." For more information, call the Mental Health Clinic at 734-4390.