Last month was National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Studies from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that suicide rates continue to rise each year. In 2016 alone approximately 45,000 lives were lost to suicide in the United States. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, the third leading cause of death for people aged 10-14, and the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-24.
Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families and communities (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). Many organizations like the National Alliance of Mental Illness work every year to raise awareness of risk factors associated with suicidality and to educate the public about signs to look for in loved ones. Through increased awareness and education, it is the field’s hope that we can work towards reducing the frequency of suicide.
Risk Factors: There are a number of risk factors associated with suicidality. Many people may experience the factors below without feeling suicidal or attempting suicide, but it is important to be aware of the following risk factors:
• Having depression, a substance abuse disorder, or other mental health disorder
• Experiencing chronic pain
• A prior suicide attempt
• Family history of substance use
• Family history of suicide
• Family violence including physical or sexual abuse
• Having guns or other firearms in the house
• Having recently been released from prison
Signs to look for in others include:
1. Expressed feelings of feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live
2. Expressed feelings of guilt or shame
3. Talking about being a burden to others
4. Withdrawing from family/friends
5. Increased anxiousness/agitation
6. Giving away important possessions
7. Increased risk taking behaviors
8. Increased substance use
9. Talking or thinking about death often
10. Putting affairs in order
11. Displaying extreme mood swings
12. Changing eating/sleeping patterns
13. Expressing feelings of being trapped or feeling as though there are no solutions to challenges
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, please seek support from family, friends and/or the resources listed below. You are not alone.
Resources
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255
• Computer chat live with someone from the National Prevention Lifeline (24/7)
• Text Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741
• MY3 app: This app is designed to help individuals prepare for instances of experiencing suicidal ideation and have quicker access to useful supports in times of crisis
• Go to your nearest crisis center
Five steps you can take to be the one to help someone in emotional pain (National Institute of Mental Health)
1. ASK: “Are your thinking about killing yourself?”- It is not an easy question but studies show that asking at-risk individuals about their thoughts/intent does not increase chance of suicide
2. KEEP THEM SAFE: Reduce the individual’s access to highly lethal. It is important to ask the individual if they have a plan and to work to remove lethal means such as weapons or pills
3. BE THERE: Listen carefully and allow the person to feel heard/supported
4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Save suicide resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s number in your phone and connect the individual to people that can help (mental health professional, school counselor, spiritual advisor etc.)
5. STAY CONNECTED: Stay in touch after a crisis occurs and check in regularly
Author: Brooke Singer, M.S.