Stigma and Suicide

Stigma and Suicide: 

Stigma and Suicide What do we know about it and what can be done?

Simple Definition of Stigma: 

Simple Definition of Stigma “Stigma, defined as being socially discredited or perceived as flawed based on a personal characteristic. . .it undermines social connectedness, social support, and opportunities for recovery” (Sanders Thompson, Noel, & Campbell, 2004, p. 529).

Stigma: Best Defined With a Cognitive-Behavioral Framework: 

Stigma: Best Defined With a Cognitive-Behavioral Framework Corrigan, P. W. (2005). On the stigma of mental illness: Practical strategies for research and social change. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, p. 13.

Example of a Person with Depression: 

Example of a Person with Depression Signals: A person cries a lot and isolates herself from others. When she does talk, it is negative self-talk and negativity about others. Stereotypes: We label this person as “negative”, “mean”, “stuck up”. When in reality this person needs support and some encouragement for her poor self-esteem. Discrimination: Let’s not invite her to our party, she’s a “downer”. We avoid and ascribe negative labels to people who are depressed. We might even make jokes about her depressed state.

Stigma Arises in Two Spheres: 

Stigma Arises in Two Spheres Public Sphere: We stereotype people with mental illness as dangerous, we are afraid of them, and we don’t want to be near them—even work by them Self Sphere: A person internalizes the public view thinking all people are incompetent who have a mental illness, therefore he/she thinks he/she is also incompetent. Why should he/she try to succeed—at a job, in relationships, or liking oneself? Patrick Corrigan’s (2004) work

Stigma and Suicide: 

Stigma and Suicide “If you had a broken leg, you would go to a hospital immediately. There would be no hesitation, and no consideration about what others would ‘think.’ And after you left the hospital, you would not hide out in your house because you would be afraid of being discriminated against because of your ‘condition’.” (Kevin Caruso, Executive Director of Suicide.org) Taken from the Suicide.org website: http://www.suicide.org/

Helping Out a Person Who is Suicidal: 

Helping Out a Person Who is Suicidal Always Take the Person Seriously Get Professional Help and Don’t Do it Alone Try not to Act Shocked at the Statements 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) On campus, call 491-6053 during the day, After hours on campus, call 491-7111, ask to speak to a counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week anywhere in the U.S. Will reach a person from a remote location who can find local help for you.

Statistics on Suicide: 

Statistics on Suicide About 30,000 people in the U.S. die by suicide every year A person dies by suicide about every 18 minutes in the U.S. An attempt is made once every minute. Psychiatric illnesses are found in over 90% of all suicidal deaths Alcohol is a factor about 30% of the time There are 4 males suicides for every female suicide. However, females are twice as likely as males to attempt suicide

College Student and Suicide: 

College Student and Suicide Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among college students, accidents are #1 About 4,000 people between 15 and 24 die by suicide each year in the U.S. About 70% of suicide attempts by youth involve alcohol and/other drugs Over 10% of college students have seriously considered suicide

Some Great Websites: 

Some Great Websites Suicide.org: http://www.suicide.org/ Depression/Bipolar Support Alliance: http://www.dbsalliance.org/ Jed Foundation: http://www.jedfoundation.org/ Suicide Prevention Resource Center: http://www.sprc.org/featured_resources/customized/college_student.asp Active Minds National Website: http://www.activemindsoncampus.org/