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Suicide Awareness and Prevention

September is National Suicide Awareness Prevention Month. Suicide can often be a topic that feels challenging to talk to loved ones about and can leave us feeling uncertain of the best ways to identify and support someone who may be experiencing thoughts of self-harm. While there remains stigma surrounding the discussion of suicide in the U.S., it is the 12th leading cause of death overall. For ages 10-44 years, suicide is among the top four leading causes of death.


So, how do we as a community support those around us?


1) Know the warning signs (see below for what to look for)

2) If you have noticed some of the warning signs, ask the individual directly if they are having thoughts about suicide. There is a long-standing myth that bringing up suicide will plant this idea or increase the likelihood of a suicide attempt—this has been shown to not only be inaccurate but can actually be the opposite of what is true. Asking an individual can destigmatize the experience of suicidal ideation while also letting them know that you care and have noticed that they may be experiencing some difficulty.

3) Actively engage in reflective listening. Let them know you hear them, give them space to share their experience, and let them know you are not judging them and how much you care. Be mindful not to dismiss their worries or engage in any language that may be shaming. Validate difficult experiences they share (e.g., “It sounds like that was really challenging and you are feeling pretty stuck right now.”).

4) Let them know regularly how much you love them. Verbal reminders of how much you care are a wonderful place to start. Additionally powerful demonstrations of love and care can look like taking a nonjudgmental interest in their hobbies, daily activities, and passions.

5) In daily conversation highlight the good things this individual is doing. When we are feeling down, it is easy for our brain to focus on what we could be doing better and other negative feedback – this is normal! Supporting the individual by offering positive feedback regarding their engagement and effort towards their daily activities is a great way to help break the negative feedback loop that may be showing up for them. Additionally, just have fun together! Engage in low-pressure activities that allow you to focus on and enjoy each other’s company.

6) For children, in addition to the tips above, being familiar with their friends, staying in touch, and knowing their whereabouts are all important factors to support safety.

7) If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal ideation or low mood, getting professional help is important. Even more important is finding a clinician that feels like a good fit. Looking around your community and on Psychology Today are great approaches to finding a variety of therapists to pick from.

8) If an individual is in crisis do not leave them alone. Stay with them or have another trusted individual accompany them in a safe space while you obtain professional help. Make sure the environment is safe. Remove any objects that may be used for self-harm or injury such as guns, ropes/ cords, medications, knives, chemicals. During an emergency contact the emergency mental health number for your community. Often, this is 9-1-1. Some communities have specific crisis centers in addition to the option of contacting 9-1-1.



What are the warning signs to be mindful of?

  • Feelings of hopelessness & depression

  • Talking about not wanting to live, feeling like a burden, or stating that others would “be better off without me”

  • Suicide notes, notes of intent to hurt themselves, and/or notes that are a form of saying “goodbye.” These can be in the form of a physical note or electronic, such as a social media post or email.

  • Behaviors in line with saying goodbye to others such as giving away their possessions or deleting online accounts.

  • Additional behavior changes: withdrawing, skipping activities that were previously enjoyable, sleep changes, weight changes, reduced hygiene, skipping class or work, increased interest in guns or other weapons (e.g., pills, ropes, knives)


What are some factors that may put individuals at higher risk?

  • Perfectionism

  • LGBTQ youth

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Substance abuse

  • History of sexual or physical abuse

  • Low self-esteem

  • Academic struggles

  • Bullying

  • Racism

  • Teens lacking social and family support

  • Family history of suicide


Sources, additional data, and resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS). Atlanta, GA: National Centers for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html.


Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP21-07-01-003, NSDUH Series H-56). Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2020-nsduh-annual-national-report.


https://health.choc.org/guide/suicide-prevention/#parents

https://childmind.org/article/youre-worried-suicide/

 
 
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