Suicide among Latinas

Suicide continues to be the third leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds. Women attempt suicide more than men, but men are about four times more likely to die because they use deadlier methods like handguns or hanging. More than 30,000 Americans take their own lives a year.

According to the National Hopeline Network, major depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and worldwide. The number-one cause of suicide is untreated depression, which costs this nation $44 billion a year. Women are twice as likely to develop depression as men.

The New York Times recently featured a federal study which found that one in six young Hispanic women had attempted suicide, which is a rate much higher than non-Hispanic black and white teenage girls. The only encouraging news is that these young women usually survived.

Experts explain that young Latinas face acute social pressures, especially if born as the first generation born in the United States. They say that Latinas with families recently rooted in Latin America are expected to adhere to old cultural traditions, which include tending to other family members and putting themselves last. Accordingly, self-esteem issues are heightened for young Hispanic women, who don't seem to fit in at home or away from it.

Those at risk for suicide usually exhibit warning signs like making comments about being hopeless or worthless, losing interest in things they used to care about, a sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or happy, and putting affairs in order. Toll-free crisis lines like 1-800-SUICIDE are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by trained professionals. All calls are confidential.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) has developed a film entitled The Truth about Suicide: Real Stories of Depression in College. It is a result of its commitment to support colleges and universities in making suicide prevention an important part of their ongoing campus services and activities. However, these women are more than just numbers and statistics. They are also survivors.

For further information, please visit www.hopeline.com