By Jeremy W. Pettit

Which do you think occurs more commonly in the United States — homicide or suicide?

If you guessed homicide, guess again. Although it’s not often discussed, the number of suicides each year in the United States is approximately 30,000. Compare that to the approximately 16,000 homicides — that’s right — almost twice as many people die by suicide.

In 2001, 2,225 Texans died by suicide, making our state second only to California that year, according to the American Association of Suicidology (AAS).

Given these figures, you’d think a high priority would be placed on preventing suicide. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. But thanks to organizations like the Mental Health Association in Texas and the Texas Suicide Prevention Partnership, the pendulum has begun to swing. Signs of that change include Gov. Rick Perry’s announcement that Sept. 5-11 will be Suicide Prevention Week in the Lone Star State.

Perry said this week should serve as a time to “educate the public on warning signs and risk factors associated with suicide” and to “urge all Texans to … remain mindful of the role we can all play in preventing such tragedies.”

So how might you prevent suicide?

Being aware of warning signs is an important first step. While there is no “typical” suicidal person, the AAS lists the following potential signs that someone may be contemplating suicide.

He/she:

• Talks about committing suicide
• Experiences drastic changes in behavior
• Withdraws from friends and/or social activities
• Loses interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
• Gives away prized possessions
• Has attempted suicide before
• Takes unnecessary risks
• Has experienced recent severe losses
• Is preoccupied with death and dying
• Loses interest in his or her personal appearance
• Increases his or her use of alcohol or drugs

If someone you know displays these signs, or tells you that he or she is contemplating suicide, what should you do? First, don’t panic. Talk openly, directly, and matter-of-factly about suicide. Be available and willing to listen. Also, remove means of suicide such as guns, large quantities of pills and the like. Finally, offer hope that alternatives are available, and enlist help from agencies that specialize in suicide prevention, including your community mental health agencies, private therapists in your area and national suicide hotlines such as 1-800-SUICIDE.

Suicide is preventable, and we all must do our part to keep this tragedy from occurring. By paying attention to warning signs and taking appropriate action, you may save a life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pettit is director of the Mood Disorder and Suicide Research Program and an assistant professor in psychology at the University of Houston. He served as a consultant on the National Academies of Science Pathophysiology and Prevention of Adolescent and Adult Suicide task force.