Throughout the nation in 2005, more than 89 people died each day by suicide.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Public Health Service, more teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia and influenza, and chronic lung disease combined.

However, suicide rates increase with age and are highest among Americans aged 65 years and older, who account for 20 percent of all suicide deaths. Most elderly suicide victims are seen by their primary care provider within a few weeks of their suicide and are experiencing a first episode of mild to moderate depression.

Equip yourself with the skills to prevent the immediate risk of suicide and save a life by attending Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training April 17 and 18 at the FamilyConcernCounselingCenterin Valparaiso. ASIST is a two-day intensive, interactive and practice-dominated course designed to help individuals recognize risk and learn how to intervene to prevent the immediate risk of suicide.

The training is presented by Jackie Muha, Britta Neinast, and Carol Todd, all certified through LivingWorks Education. ASIST was devised by professionals in psychiatry, psychology and social work to develop suicide intervention training programs for front-line caregivers/gatekeepers of all disciplines and occupational groups. Since 1983, trainers like Muha, Neinast and Todd have provided suicide intervention training to more than 500,000 community participants from all walks of life.

Neinast said the training is designed for all people, not just the professionals. "The truth is, people are at risk for suicide long before a professional enters the picture," she said. "It is the first line of defense that needs this training, i.e., family member, co-worker, neighbor, girlfriend/boyfriend, person at the grocery store, etc."

Training is from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $120 per person for registration, or $110 per person for groups of four or more. Register online at: https://learn.ipfw.edu/ShowGroups.awp (select "Healthcare/Medical" option) or call (260) 481-6238.

Meanwhile, before you say "I'm fine," the Surgeon General's Call to Action To Prevent Suicide asks you to ask yourself if you feel:

* nervous, or "empty"

* guilty or worthless

* very tired and slowed down

* you don't enjoy things the way you used to

* restless or irritable

* like no one loves you

* like life is not worth living

Or if you are:

* sleeping more or less than usual

* eating more or less than usual

* having persistent headaches, stomachaches, or chronic pain

These may be symptoms of depression, a treatable medical illness. But your doctor can only treat you if you say how you are really feeling.