Suicide

Minority Women's Health > American Indians/Alaska Natives > Health Topics > Suicide

For more information, see the American Indian/Alaska Native Mental Health section.

Suicide, or the taking of one's own life, is a tragic problem. American Indians/Alaska Natives have the highest rates of suicide among all 15 to 24 year olds.

You can help prevent suicide. If you or someone you know feels suicidal, call 911, 1-800-SUICIDE, or the number of a suicide crisis center (you can find the number in your phone book) to talk about it. It is important to take any mention of suicide seriously and get help right away.

Publications

1.   American Indian Health - This web site is an information portal for and about the health of native peoples of the United States.

   http://americanindianhealth.nlm.nih.gov/

2.     Flyer targeted at American Indian/Alaskan Native males aged 15-24 - This is a flyer that can be printed and distributed. It is targeted at American Indian/Alaskan Native males aged 15-24, but it can be used for women as well. It encourages those who feel suicidal to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

   http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/media/pdf/PSA_NativeAmerican.pdf

3.     Suicide: Facts at a Glance - This publication provides statistics on suicide in the United States among the elderly and the young. It also provides information on which gender and age groups are vulnerable to suicide in the United States.

   http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dvp/Suicide/SuicideDataSheet.pdf

4.   A Guide to Suicide Prevention for American Indian and Alaskan Native Communities (Copyright © One Sky Center) - This guide is written for tribal and community leaders. It discusses suicide warning signs, prevention strategies, information for schools, a list of promising programs, a community assessment tool, and more.

   http://www.oneskycenter.org/documents/AGuidetoSuicidePreventionDRAFT.pdf

5.   If You Are Considering Suicide (Copyright © AAS) - This publication contains information and guidance for someone who is considering suicide. It gives hope by explaining that the problems usually associated with suicidal thoughts can be treated and that a suicidal crisis is brief and much simpler than at first glance.

   http://www.suicidology.org/associations/1045/files/IfYouAreConsidering.pdf

Organizations

1.   National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
2.   National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
3. American Association of Suicidology
4. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of December 2007