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Show -- 1 1 Hilltop Times June 28, 1991 on o 15 , Alert people can help stop potentia victim by Donna Davis Hilltop Times staff writer Pat Ericksen, who works in the Contracting Direc- torate, remembers her husband threatening suicide. Because he talked about it so often, she figured it would never really happen. Ralph was 42 when he took his own life. Ralph worked for the 1881st Communications Squadron at the time. Six years ago, Don Bezoski, a retired instructor for Hill's quality initiative, found the body of his teen-ag- e son, who had shot himself. Don still has flashbacks. Suicide affects people everywhere even at Hill. Dr. Kurt Peters at the U.S. Air Force Hospital, Hill, says he works with "many" patients struggling with suicidal thoughts and behavior. The western United States has the highest suicide rate in the nation. Some people think that Operation Desert Storm won't depress veterans to a point of suicide like Vietnam did, said Dr. Peters. "The truth is war is war. While the casualty rate was low in Operation Desert Storm, the stress and strain put on families and individuals has been just as great as in other wars." This stress is evidenced by the increased alcohol abuse and marital problems seen at the Mental Health clinic since the return of deployed airmen. Dr. Peters predicts that since these are both risk factors for suicide, the suicide potential has also increased. "There's a lot you can do if you think someone is going to commit suicide," said Ms. Ericksen. "Even if you have to lie and cheat to get them in for some help, you can sometimes see it coming in time." It is a myth that you can't help a person who wants to kill himself, said Dr. Peters. "Most people who have completed suicide have a history of psychiatric illness, most commonly depression or alcoholism. Professional intervention can effectively treat these illnesses and, as a result, decrease the risk of suicide. "I've heard people who believed a friend was suicidal say they were afraid asking if it was true because it would give them the idea to kill themselves or motivate them to follow through on the plan," said Dr. Peters. "But most people having thoughts of suicide are relieved when you ask. They don't feel so alone and can discuss options to suicide." "Be brave," said Capt. Nancy Combs, a former squadron section commander who once had someone come to her about a thought to be suicidal. "You've got to get involved if you think it might be suicide. The person we got help for was angry at first, but later said she was glad to know that someone cared." co-work- er Signals Signals that a person is contemplating suicide differ between men and women. Men signal more often and are much more successful at completing suicide than women. Of the 212 suicides in Utah in 1989, 167 were men. In spite of the high percentage of male suicides, women attempt nearly twice as often as men. They attempt more impulsively, with a less-thought-o- ut plan, and typically don't use means as lethal as men. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among those 15 to 24 years of age, following accidental death, said Mr. Bezoski. There is no guarantee that a suicide can be prevented. However, suicide signals can help an aware observer know there's trouble. Signals like: A history of previous attempts. A person who has already tried suicide should talk with a professional about the event. Sudden change in mood. A person who is continually depressed may suddenly become cheerful, feeling better now that the decision "to get rid of these problems" has been made. A person forcing himself or herself to be happy may suddenly feel no need to keep up the image. " statements. The person may begin saying things like, "You won't have to worry about that much longer" or "That doesn't matter "No-future- anymore." 0 Suddenly giving away possessions. Almost all suicide leave a clue in the form commit who people of a note, message on an answering machine, or by "finalizing" the loose ends in their lives. Sudden deterioration in personal habits. The person may stop taking care of themselves, stop paying bills, or their grades and school attendance may drop. The person may suddenly change sleep habits, be unable to concentrate, or change eating habits. Sudden reckless beJiavior.JMving too fast, running up credit cards, buying things they wouldn't ordinarily buy impulsive decisions can indicate that a person doesn't care about his or her life. Use of alcohol or drugs. of the people who commit suicide have a history of substance abuse. Unemployment or chronic medical illness. The feeling of helplessness and hopelessness that often precedes suicide is magnified by traumatic events. Suicide of a family member, friend, or coworker. Those who never thought of suicide as an option may now view suicide as a legitimate choice. Certain times of the year. Anniversaries of the death of loved ones or other suicides can be dangerous for a suicidal person. Holidays are also difficult. Statistics also show that March and October are high suicide months. One-fourt- h Toko action There are several actions you can take if you suspect suicide. Confront the person. "You're scaring me. I think you need some professional support. Are you thinking about killing yourself? Do you know how you would do it?" Do not try to counsel a suicidal person alone. The more specific the person's plan, the higher the risk for suicide. If he or she has specific plans of any kind, even if the person didn't follow through on a plan in the past, get immediate professional help. Take him or her to an emergency room or call 911. If the person is a talk to a superior and insist that some positive action be taken. If you are having suicidal thoughts, go to a counselor, a friend, a pastor or to the emergency room. Don't wait. Just dial 911. Editor's note: See related story, Page 18, please. co-work- er, 3 C "71 p- - , M ' , |