Minority Women's Health

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Suicide

Minority Women's Health > Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians > Health Topics > Suicide

Suicide, or the taking of one's own life, is a tragic problem all over the world. In the U.S., Asian American women have the highest suicide rate among women 65 or older.

One reason for the higher rate of suicide among Asian American/Pacific Islander women may be that seeking mental health treatment is stigmatized and seen as a sign of weakness in these cultures. Many Asian women with mental health problems wait to seek help until their illness reaches crisis levels.

You can help prevent suicide. If you or someone you know feels suicidal, call 911, 1-800-SUICIDE, or the number of a suicide crisis center (you can find the number in your phone book) to talk about it. It is important to take any mention of suicide seriously and get help right away.

Publications

1.   National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Brochure: When It Seems Like There Is No Hope, There Is Help — This brochure explains the warning signs of suicide and how to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for help.

   http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SVP-0141/

2.   If You Are Considering Suicide (Copyright © American Association of Suicidology) — If you are feeling suicidal, it’s important to seek medical help right away. You are not alone. Many people have suicidal thoughts. But it’s important that depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other problems that inspire suicidal thinking are treatable. A suicidal crisis is usually temporary. Your problems do have solutions — you just can’t see them right now. This publication will tell you more about the help and hope available for people considering suicide.

   http://www.suicidology.org/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=232&name=DLFE-32.pdf...

Organizations

1.   National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
2.   National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
3.   Office of Minority Health, OPHS, OS, HHS
4. American Association of Suicidology
5. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
6. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
7. National Hopeline Network
8. Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

= Indicates Federal Resources

Resources reviewed March 2008.