2008 Woodie Awards
Wilson's suicide attempt sparks awareness
By Selina Affram
Issue date: 9/14/07 Section: News
Originally published: 9/13/07 at 3:19 PM CSTLast update: 9/14/07 at 5:39 AM CST
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Actor Owen Wilson attempted suicide in his Santa Monica home Aug. 26.
Many people may ask why such a successful person would want to take his own life.
Wilson had a unique case in which he overdosed on pills, slit his wrists and had a history of drug use, an instructor here said.
Not all suicide attempts have the same motivation, said psychology Instructor Linda Schule.
Some people attempt suicide for different reasons, such as social embarrassment, life crisis, experiencing loss, but the list is endless.
Suicide awareness is important in our society, having knowledge about this issue can help save someone's life and provide help for those who are looking for help.
In the United States, for young adults between the ages of 15-24, suicide is the third leading cause of death.
Family and friends are people who can be most helpful to those contemplating suicide.
They can help detect warning signs and seek professional help.
In some cases, there may not be an indication of suicidal behavior.
The warning signs indicated by Suicide Awareness Voice of Education (SAVE) are talking about suicide, making statements of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness.
Sometimes they have a preoccupation with death, a drastic change in attitude or behavior and a loss of interest in things that are important to them.
Other signs the SAVE Web site warns to be aware of are visiting or calling people one cares about, making arrangements and giving away possessions.
The warning signs are important because they give clues that inform witnesses to seek help.
There are also symptoms of depression to be aware of.
Some symptoms include feeling sad, depressed, pessimistic, guilty, substance abuse, fatigue, loss of interest in ordinary activities and disturbance in eating or sleeping patterns.
Other symptoms are irritability, increased crying, panic attacks, anxiety, difficulty in concentrating and decision-making.
Many people may ask why such a successful person would want to take his own life.
Wilson had a unique case in which he overdosed on pills, slit his wrists and had a history of drug use, an instructor here said.
Not all suicide attempts have the same motivation, said psychology Instructor Linda Schule.
Some people attempt suicide for different reasons, such as social embarrassment, life crisis, experiencing loss, but the list is endless.
Suicide awareness is important in our society, having knowledge about this issue can help save someone's life and provide help for those who are looking for help.
In the United States, for young adults between the ages of 15-24, suicide is the third leading cause of death.
Family and friends are people who can be most helpful to those contemplating suicide.
They can help detect warning signs and seek professional help.
In some cases, there may not be an indication of suicidal behavior.
The warning signs indicated by Suicide Awareness Voice of Education (SAVE) are talking about suicide, making statements of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness.
Sometimes they have a preoccupation with death, a drastic change in attitude or behavior and a loss of interest in things that are important to them.
Other signs the SAVE Web site warns to be aware of are visiting or calling people one cares about, making arrangements and giving away possessions.
The warning signs are important because they give clues that inform witnesses to seek help.
There are also symptoms of depression to be aware of.
Some symptoms include feeling sad, depressed, pessimistic, guilty, substance abuse, fatigue, loss of interest in ordinary activities and disturbance in eating or sleeping patterns.
Other symptoms are irritability, increased crying, panic attacks, anxiety, difficulty in concentrating and decision-making.
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