Thinking of Suicide? Reach Out For Help.

Thinking of Suicide? Reach Out For Help.

Saturday July 17, 2010

Image © Sanja Gjenero

New research reveals the shocking extent to which young women are attempting to take their own lives through drug overdoses.

SAMHSA, who conducted the series of studies, and already sponsor the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) 1-800-273-TALK (8255), are urging young people thinking of suicide to visit their online resource, http://us.reachout.com.

The studies show looked at drug-related hospital emergency department visits made by adolescents, and found that nearly one in ten involved suicide attempts. Young women made more than 72% of these attempts. Most attempted overdoses used pharmaceuticals rather than drugs of abuse, with over-the-counter painkillers being the most commonly used substance, and the least likely to invoke follow-up care.

The research follows news just a few months ago of the massive rise in prescription medication overdoses, particularly among middle aged women. Clearly women, both young and old, are hurting, and are using drugs more and more in an attempt to control their physical and emotional pain.

But there are ways to control emotional pain without resorting to drugs. And for any teenage girls reading, who are thinking of suicide, try talking to an understanding adult, or calling a kids’ helpline. You may be surprized to find out that some of us adults do understand what you are going through.