Most suicidal individuals do not want to die; they just want to end the pain they are experiencing, according to experts cited by the American Association of Suicidology. Suicidal crises tend to be brief, these experts note, and when suicidal behaviors are detected early, lives can be saved.

Saving lives that could be lost to suicide is the focus of Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 8‑14, sponsored by the American Association of Suicidology, a professional organization that works to understand and prevent suicide. Suicide Prevention Week is observed in September to synchronize with World Suicide Prevention Day, Sept. 10, hosted by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organization. Suicide is an international problem, claiming approximately 1 million lives worldwide each year, or one suicide every 40 seconds.

Suicide and suicidal behavior affect individuals of all ages, genders, races and religious groups across the planet. Risk factors are essentially the same from country to country and include mental illness, substance abuse, hopelessness, access to lethal means of killing oneself, recent loss of loved ones and unemployment. Factors offering protection from suicide are also the same worldwide and include high self-esteem, staying connected socially to others, supportive family and friends and problem-solving skills.

In the United States, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death, with a rate of 11 suicides per 100,000 and one suicide occurring every 17 minutes, according to recent data. Among the states, New York and New Jersey have the lowest suicide rate, 6.4 per 100,000. Wyoming has the highest at 21.1 percent per 100,000.

Teens and elderly here have particularly high rates of suicide. The suicide rate in the U.S. is higher for those older than 65 than for any other age group. The elderly make up 12.3 percent of the population, but 17.5 percent of all suicides. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds, ranking behind only accidents and homicides. Research has shown that most adolescent suicides occur after school hours and in the teen’s home.

Suicidal individuals often display warning signs and clues. The stigma associated with mental illness and suicide often discourages people at risk for suicide from seeking life-saving help. Research shows that most individuals who are suicidal often display clues and warning signs, although others may be unaware of the significance of these warnings or may not know how to respond to them. People considering suicide may exhibit or express the following warning signs:

•Hopelessness, feeling that there is no reason to go on living or no purpose in life.

•Rage, uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge.

•Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking.

•Feeling trapped with no way out.

•Increased use of alcohol or drugs.

•Withdrawal from friends, family and society.

•Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping too much.

•Dramatic mood changes.

Any of these warning signs warrant a professional evaluation. Contact a physician or call the American Association of Suicidolgy at 800-273-TALK (8255). Other professionals who could offer help include school counselors, religious/spiritual leaders and staff at community mental health agencies and suicide prevention/crisis intervention centers.

You can help prevent suicide by learning the warning signs outlined above and by following these recommendations adapted from the American Association of Suicidology and presented here by the Medical Society of the State of New York:

Get involved. Be available and show interest and support.

Ask outright if you think a person is thinking about suicide.

Be direct. Talk openly and freely about suicide.

Be willing to listen and accept expressions of feelings.

Be nonjudgmental and do not lecture on the value of life.

Do not dare a person to commit suicide.

Do not ask why. That only encourages defensiveness.

Offer empathy, not sympathy.

Do not act shocked. That creates distance.

Do not be sworn to secrecy, but seek support.

Offer hope that alternatives are available.

Take action by removing means of suicide and getting help for those at risk.

For additional information about suicide, visit the website at www.suicidology.org.