September 12th, 2006

HARRISBURG – Speaking in front of a backdrop of empty shoes meant to symbolize the lives lost to suicide in Pennsylvania, representatives of the departments of Health, Welfare and Aging today helped to observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week at the state Capitol.

“Suicides are preventable deaths and a priority public health problem,” said Brian Wyant, director of the Department of Health’s Division of Health Risk Reduction. “Public health, social services, health care, education, law enforcement, and the community must make real changes to how we recognize and treat the silent symptoms of suicide.

“By observing Suicide Prevention Awareness Week together, we demonstrate our collective commitment to the issue of suicide.”

More than 1,350 Pennsylvanians – an average of more than 3 people each day – committed suicide in 2004. According to Ivonne Bucher, chief of staff for the Department of Aging, the public is often surprised to learn that many victims of suicide are older adults.

“Men over the age of 85 have the greatest risk of suicide among groups of any age, gender or race,” said Bucher. “We want older Pennsylvanians to understand that resources are available to help them improve their quality of life. We care about what happens to them.”

“By educating the public about the warning signs and preventable nature of suicide, we can save lives,” said Sherry Peters of DPW’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. “It is also important that society is careful not to judge those who seek treatment for depression or substance abuse because the stigma associated with these illnesses may prevent someone from seeking help.”

The event also featured speakers from the Governor’s Commission on African-American Affairs, survivors of suicide and parents whose children were victims of suicide. Over 20 groups were on hand to answer questions and provide information on suicide prevention.

The warning signs that may signal suicidal thoughts or actions may include:

• Talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself or directly threatening to do so;
• Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, pills, or other means;
• Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person;
• Feeling hopeless or lacking a sense of purpose in life;
• Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge;
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking;
• Feeling trapped by circumstance;
• Increasing alcohol or drug use;
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and society;
• Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep; or sleeping too much; and
• Experiencing dramatic mood swings

For individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or are in crisis, or if you are concerned about someone you know, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Additional information is available on the Internet at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

The Pennsylvania Suicide Prevention Initiative is a public/private partnership. More information on the initiative can be obtained by contacting Sherry Peters, chief, Division of Planning, Policy & Program Development, Bureau of Children's Behavioral Health Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services in the Department of Public Welfare. Peters may be reached at (717) 772-7855 or shepeters@state.pa.us.

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For more information contact:

Anne C. Bale, Aging
(717) 783-1549

Troy Thompson, Health
(717) 787-1783

Rita Frealing-Shultz, DPW
(717) 787-4592