Recently, I returned from vacation and learned that a friend had commit suicide. My initial reaction, as well as those of my friends, was shock. Why? Was there something we missed? Could we have prevented this?
Keeping others from taking such a drastic step is foremost in my mind at the moment. Hence this post.
Suicide prevention is possible. There is hope. Knowing the risks, warning signs and steps to take can save a life.
Note that the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has increased risks of suicide as a number of factors, such as job loss, abuse, mental health issues etc. have been exacerbated.
Who is at risk
• Highest rates are among those 45-54 and 75+
• Regardless of age, men—white and American Indian men in particular—have the highest suicide rates, representing close to 80% of all suicides.
• Adolescents and young adults have lower mortality than older groups, but suicide is the second leading cause of death for those 15-34.
Risk factors
• Have tried to commit suicide in the past/family has a history of suicide
• Socially isolated, lacks support
• Having a chronic illness; terminal illness; and/or illness that causes significant pain and/or physical impairment
• Loss of a spouse or loved one
• Has a mental health condition (e.g. depression, anxiety, mood disorder, violent or impulsive behavior, schizophrenia)
• Has substance abuse issues
• Has financial, legal, business or relationship issues
• Has lost relationships through break-up, divorce or death
• Has been abused-physically, verbally, sexually, and/or emotionally
• Has means of self-harm, e.g. owns a gun; uses certain types of medication
• Ashamed to ask for help, particularly for mental health
• Lacks access to care
• Influenced by celebrity suicides or in an area with increased suicides
• Believes that suicide is a noble option
Warning signs: Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255, which is available 24/7 365 days of the year
• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings
What to do if your or someone you know is at risk
• Take all comments about suicide seriously. Get help right away. Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or 911, if you think danger for self-harm is imminent. Stay with the person until a qualified person can assess risk.
• Never keep it a secret if someone tells you about a plan to hurt themselves. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) so that you can find out what resources are available in your area, or encourage your loved one to call. Calls are routed to the Lifeline center closest to your area code that can provide you with local resources.
• Ask if they are thinking about killing themselves. This will not put the idea into their head or make it more likely that they will attempt suicide.
• Listen. Reassure the person that you care about them, that you and others want them to live, and that there is always an alternative to suicide.
• Remove objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.
It can be very difficult to help someone who is suicidal. Take care of yourself when you are supporting someone through a difficult time, recognizing it can stir up difficult emotions for you. If it does, please reach out for support yourself. Keep in mind the person is ultimately responsible for their own choices and actions.
Resources
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255 or use the website
• State Prevention Resource Center Use this website to learn about suicide prevention in your state. You can also call 2-1-1 for resource information.
• Suicide
Prevention Resource Center
• Suicide Prevention Handout Make copies and share with friends, family and community
• Zero Suicide Their toolkit has been shown to lessen suicide attempts
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