Japan - Suicides top 30,000 for 13th year

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Suicides top 30,000 for 13th year

Couple leaves radioactive mystery in wake of suicide

NIIGATA -- Mystery was mixed with tragedy here on Nov. 29 with the discovery of a couple who had hanged themselves as well as a can holding radioactive materials in the husband's car.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na006000c.html

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Suicides top 30,000 for 13th year

Suicides in Japan Likely to Top 30,000 for 14th Straight Year

Tokyo, Dec. 6 (Jiji Press)--The number of suicides in Japan is on pace to top 30,000 in 2011 for the 14th straight year.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2011120600860

[makoto]

Re: Japan - Suicides top 30,000 for 13th year

Young teacher's 2004 self-immolation caused by job stress, court rules

IWATA, Shizuoka -- On-the-job stress is what pushed an elementary school teacher here to commit suicide in 2004, the Shizuoka District Court ruled on Dec. 15.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/natio...na003000c.html

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Japan - Suicides top 30,000 for 13th year

Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide

Suicide is a public health issue. Media and online coverage of suicide should be informed by using best practices. Some suicide deaths may be newsworthy. However, the way media cover suicide can influence behavior negatively by contributing to contagion or positively by encouraging help-seeking.

More than 50 research studies worldwide have found that certain types of news coverage can increase the likelihood of suicide in vulnerable individuals. The magnitude of the increase is related to the amount, duration and prominence of coverage.
Risk of additional suicides increases when the story explicitly describes the suicide method, uses dramatic/graphic headlines or images, and repeated/extensive coverage sensationalizes or glamorizes a death.
Covering suicide carefully, even briefly, can change public misperceptions and correct myths, which can encourage those who are vulnerable or at risk to seek help...

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/recommendations-for-reporting-on-suicide.shtml

[Missouriwatcher]

Re: Japan - Suicides top 30,000 for 13th year

Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide
Avoid reporting that death by suicide was preceded by a single event, such as a recent job loss, divorce or bad grades. Reporting like this leaves the public with an overly simplistic and misleading understanding of suicide.

Bloggers, citizen journalists and public commentators can help reduce risk of contagion with posts or links to treatment services, warning signs and suicide hotlines.

Warning Signs of Suicide
Talking about wanting to die
Looking for a way to kill oneself
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or feeling isolated
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Displaying extreme mood swings

The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk. Warning signs are associated with suicide but may not be what causes a suicide.

If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide:
Do not leave the person alone
Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a free, 24/7 service that can provide suicidal persons or those around them with support, information and local resources
Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional

More information and resources are available at: www.ReportingOnSuicide.org