September is National Suicide Prevention Month. According to the CDC, 45,000 Americans will commit suicide every year. That’s 123 people a every day. One every 12 minutes. The impact of a suicide is felt by family and friends long after the loss their loved one. Often the questions of “why” and “why did I miss” will plague those felt behind with no real solutions. There is a stigma around mental illness. While mental health is important to our overall health, many will ignore it because they are afraid of the stigma and the comments. Two thirds of suicides suffer from depression. In the US, suicide is one of the top 10 leading causes of death for all ages (SAVE). What are the warning signs? What are the risk factors? What can you do to help someone who is having suicidal thoughts?
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicidal thoughts can affect everyone regardless of age, gender, or background. Suicide is often the result of untreated mental health conditions. Although suicidal thoughts are considered common, they should never be treated as normal. Only half of Americans who experience a major depressive episode will seek treatment, of those who do, 80-90% are successfully treated with therapy and/or medication (SAVE). Some of the warning signs include: 1) an increase use of alcohol or drugs, 2) aggressive behavior, 3) withdrawal from family and friends, 4) dramatic mood swings and 5) impulsive or reckless behavior. Someone who is considering suicide may collect weapons such as guns and knives or saving pills. One red flag I have always heard is to pay attention when someone is giving away possessions especially items with deep and personal meaning like family heirlooms. Also, behaviors such as tying up loose ends (i.e. organizing papers, paying of debts) and saying goodbye to family and friends should raise a red flag (NAMI).
There are several risk factors involved in suicide. First, a family history of suicide as well as substance abuse. 1 in 3 people who commit suicide are intoxicated at the time. This could be for many reasons, for example, to take away the edge and avoid any hesitation. Second, serious or chronic medical illness or even prolonged stress. A woman named Jo lost her husband to suicide who suffered from PTSD. He had carried a tremendous guilt and couldn’t cope, couldn’t process that guilt (Catlin, 2019). Third, while suicide affects everyone regardless of gender, women will attempt more suicides than men. However, men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide (NAMI). Fourth, a history of trauma or abuse. Without proper care or professional help, individuals who suffer traumas or abuse can see no way out. Lastly, a recent tragedy or loss. Suicidal thoughts can be the result of the grieving process. Even though grief is a normal aspect of life, everyone responds differently to grief, I feel it is very important for those grieving seek some type of help whether it is an counselor or a support group, something to help the individual process each grieving step.
Suicide is preventable. Most suicidal individuals want to live, they just aren’t able to see alternatives or solutions to their problems (Western Michigan University). Most people will give definite warnings. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the signs, overlook or ignore the signs or simply do not know how to respond. According to NAMI, the best way to respond to someone’s suicidal warning is to talk honestly. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Do you have a plan for how or when?” It is also important to remain calm and ask other simple and direct questions like “Can I call your doctor for you?” Express your concern and support and be patient. If you can, remove the person’s access to any weapons or pills. It is very important to never argue, threaten or raise your voice. Do not debate with the individual. The most important action is to get that person professional help as soon as possible. There are a number of resources for help. I have listed them before. They are available 24/7.
In conclusion, suicide is preventable. While many do not leave notes behind, there are warning signs to pay attention to prior to the attempt. Suicidal thoughts can affect everyone. Mental health is as important as our physical health. We need to take care of our minds as well as our bodies. We also need to pay attention to someone’s moods, behaviors, and statements for signs of suicidal tendencies. Sometimes they will be subtle and other they will be blatant and bold. Suicidal thoughts and statements need to be taken seriously. Speak honestly, calmly, and patently. There are many local and national resources for those who are considering suicide as well as those who know someone who may be considering it. There is help available and it is important to remind someone that they are not alone. You are not alone in this battle.
Resources
If you or someone needs helps with suicidal thoughts, please
contact any of the following organizations for help.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (US and Canada), 85258
(UK) or 50808 (Ireland) to connect with a Crisis Counselor
Catlin, Caroline (December 19, 2019). Suicide Survivors Share Their Stories and Advice in These Photos. www.healthline.com/health/photo-essay-portraits-suicide-survivors-resilience#1. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
NAMI (no date). Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
National Alliance on Mental Illness. www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-awareness-month.
Retrieved August 30, 2020.
SAVE (no date) Suicide Facts. Suicide Awareness Voices
of Education. www.save.org/about-suicide/suicide-facts/.
Retrieved September 1, 2020.
Western Michigan University (no date). Suicide Prevention
Program. www.wmich.edu/suicideprevention/basics/facts.
Retrieved September 1, 2020.
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