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Press Release from Governor Martin O'Malley
Former Governor
Robert Ehrlich
The Maryland Youth
Crisis Hotline
1-800-422-0009
National Suicide
Support Groups
The National Suicide Hotlines
Maryland Suicide Prevention Commission
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'Coming Out,
Coming In'

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'In Her Wake'

- Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-19 year olds.
- In the United States, a young person completes suicide every hour and fifty-three minutes every day of the year.
- For every two murders in the USA, there are three completed suicides.
- Youth suicide is largely preventable.
- With increased awareness of the warning signs of youthful suicide, the chances increase that a suicide can be prevented.
- There are resources available to support families facing a suicidal crisis.
- Threats to take one's life
- Drawings or writings about one's death
- High risk behaviors, endangering one's life
- Dramatic changes in appearance
- Withdrawal from family/friends
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Changes in eating and/or sleeping habits
- Previous suicidal gestures/attempts
- Giving away prized possessions, making a will or plans for one's funeral
- History of depression: ninety percent of those who complete suicides suffer from it
- A sense of being overwhelmed by problems
- Angry at the world for wrongs suffered
- Feeling that others do not care about their problems
- Helpless to change a situation they see as hopeless
- Fantasies of revenge, poor communications about their own needs
- Impulsive, poor problem-solving skills
- Perfectionistic, rigid thinker
- Difficulties with discipline in school and/or with the law in the community
- May have experienced abuse
- Living in the midst of conflict in home or school
- May be a victim of bullying/harassment
- Living in a home where firearms are readily accessible
- Suicide of a close friend/relative