Minority Women's Health

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Suicide

Minority Women's Health > Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians > Health Topics > Suicide

Suicide, or the taking of one's own life, is a tragic problem all over the world. In the U.S., Asian American women have the highest suicide rate among women 65 or older.

One reason for the higher rate of suicide among Asian American/Pacific Islander women may be that seeking mental health treatment is stigmatized and seen as a sign of weakness in these cultures. Many Asian women with mental health problems wait to seek help until their illness reaches crisis levels.

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.   National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Brochure: When it seems like there is no hope, there is help - This brochure explains the warning signs of suicide and how to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for help.

   http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SVP-0141/

2.   The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Suicide - On July 28, 1999, Tipper Gore and Surgeon General David Satcher hosted a press conference at which the Surgeon General unveiled a blueprint to prevent suicide in the United States. The document, entitled The Surgeon General's Call To Action To Prevent Suicide, outlines more than a dozen steps that can be taken by individuals, communities, organizations and policymakers.

   http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calltoaction/default.htm

3.   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

4. Support Groups in the United States (Copyright © AAS) - The American Association of Suicidology recognizes the importance of social support in the wake of suicide and provides a searchable database for support groups by state. If you are in need of support, please search our database for a support group in your area.

   http://www.suicidology.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=55

Organizations

1.   National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
2.   National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
3.   Office of Minority Health Resource Center (OMHRC), OMH, OPHS, OS, HHS
4. American Association of Suicidology
5. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
6. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
7. National Hopeline Network
8. Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

= Indicates Federal Resources

Current as of December 2007