I think is it is commendable of you to want to do something about preventing suicides.
Here is some links you might like to take a look at.
And you could try discussing this with a school counsellor or a health professional in your area, and find out the best way to go about starting such a group.
I wish you luck...
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Please follow link to read the whole article.
Suicide Prevention: Understanding and Helping a Suicidal Person Suicide Prevention:
Understanding and Helping a Suicidal Person
A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn't mean that help isn't wanted. Most people who commit suicide don't want to die - they just want to stop hurting. If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, you might be afraid to bring up the subject. But talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save your loved one's life.
Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously. If you suspect that someone has suicide on their mind, speak to them about your concerns and seek professional help immediately!
Why do people commit suicide?
The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 1 million people die each year from suicide. What drives so many individuals to take their own lives? To those not in the grips of suicidal despair, it is difficult to understand. However, a suicidal person is in so much pain that he or she can see no other option.
The Canadian Mental Health Association describes the suicidal state of mind as filled with a sense of self-hatred, rejection, and hopelessness. Leading suicidologist Edwin Shneidman coined the word "psychache" to describe this overwhelming psychological pain. A suicidal person feels isolated from others or feels like a burden. Blinded by anguish and a sense of disconnection, he or she can't see any way of finding relief except through death. Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable.
But despite their pain, most suicidal individuals are deeply conflicted about ending their lives.
Preventing Suicide Network writes, “It has been noted by survivors that even during the act of attempting suicide, there are feelings of ambivalence. While there is a sincere wish to end their pain . . . there is also a longing for an alternative to suicide.” If you believe that a friend or family member is suicidal, you can help by pointing out the alternatives and showing that you care. Through understanding, reassurance, and support, you can help your loved one overcome thoughts of suicide.
The more informed you are, the better you'll be able to help. Look at the table below for the truth regarding false beliefs that people commonly have about suicide.
Common Misconceptions about Suicide
According to SAVE - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, the following are common misconceptions about suicide:
FALSE: People who talk about suicide won't really do it.
Almost everyone who commits or attempts suicide has given some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like "you'll be sorry when I'm dead," "I can't see any way out," -- no matter how casually or jokingly said may indicate serious suicidal feelings.
FALSE: Anyone who tries to kill him/herself must be crazy.
Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. They must be upset, grief-stricken, depressed or despairing, but extreme distress and emotional pain are not necessarily signs of mental illness.
FALSE: If a person is determined to kill him/herself, nothing is going to stop him/her.
Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death, wavering until the very last moment between wanting to live and wanting to die. Most suicidal people do not want death; they want the pain to stop. The impulse to end it all, however overpowering, does not last forever.
FALSE: People who commit suicide are people who were unwilling to seek help.
Studies of suicide victims have shown that more then half had sought medical help within six month before their deaths.
FALSE: Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.
You don't give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide. The opposite is true --bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.
Who is at risk of suicide?
According to the Suicide Prevention Action Network, 90 percent of people who commit suicide suffer from depression, alcoholism, or another mental disorder such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Depression in particular plays a large role in suicide. The difficulty suicidal people have imagining a solution to their suffering is due in part to the distorted thinking caused by depression.
There are other risk factors as well. A recent loss or adverse life event—such as divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one—is a major factor in suicides. A lack of social support is another risk factor. For more about suicide risk factors, see Suicide in the U.S.
Suicide Risk Factors
Feelings of hopelessness
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Alcohol and substance abuse
Previous suicide attempts
Family history of suicide
Childhood abuse
Physical illness or chronic pain
Borderline personality disorder
Panic disorder
Loss or stressful life event
Social isolation
Impulsive or aggressive behavior
Firearms in the home
Incarceration
Recent release from psychiatric hospitalization
Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others
Cultural or religious beliefs glorifying suicide
Lack of access to mental health treatment
Antidepressant use, especially in children, teens, and young adults.
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