Recent suicide attempt

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Recent suicide attempt

It is important to take all suicide attempts seriously. Minor suicide attempts, such as superficial cuts on the wrist with a razor blade or taking six aspirins, may not cause serious harm, but they are warning signs that require an evaluation by a health professional.

People who have attempted suicide often think of suicide as the only way to solve a problem and end the pain they are feeling. It is hard for them to see other solutions. This makes it important to talk about suicidal thoughts with someone. Other people may have a different perspective and may be able to help you find other solutions to your problems and pain.

If you or someone you know has attempted suicide, even if the attempt was minor and did not cause harm:

• Report it to your health professional.
• If a suicide attempt has caused a minor injury, see the appropriate injury topic for first aid measures.
• If you are not able to talk with your health professional immediately, call your local suicide hot line or the national suicide hot line (1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433).

Credits

Last updated:	January 12, 2007
Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer