National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month
September is marked as National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to remember those who have lost their lives to suicide and to highlight resources and raise awareness about suicide prevention. It is a time when communities across the country come together for one important announcement: You’re not alone.
While suicide can be an uncomfortable subject to discuss, it’s one that needs to be addressed now more than ever. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults throughout the US, and it is the 2nd leading cause of death among individuals ages 10-24. Suicide is highly linked to mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder; it also affects those struggling with substance abuse.
If you have not personally struggled with a mental health disorder or suicidal thoughts, it can be difficult to understand why somebody - especially a loved one - may resort to this. No matter the reason, however, it is crucial to understand that this person is struggling with deep-rooted pain and the best thing for them right now is support.
The biggest question is how can you tell if somebody is struggling with depression and/or suicidal thoughts? There are several warning signs you can look for before you intervene:
Voicing suicidal ideations (such as “People would be better off without me,” “I can’t take it anymore,” etc.)
Distancing themselves from loved ones
A loss of interest in activities that once brought them joy
A decline in school or work performance
Purchasing a weapon
Giving away prized belongings
Drinking or drug use
Changes in sleeping or eating habits
Whether you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the most important step is to establish a positive support system. It can be a close friend, a family member, a partner, a teacher, etc., but it is imperative that you have somebody you can trust to share these thoughts and feelings with. While it can be a difficult topic to discuss, Julie Goldstein Grumet, vice president of suicide prevention strategy at the Education Development Center (EDC) states that simply asking a person if they are struggling with these thoughts in a direct and empathic way can actually relieve underlying anxiety because the individual now has a space to talk about it.
Empathy and compassion will be your strongest allies in this conversation. Try to avoid phrases such as:
Why would you do that?
Don’t do anything stupid.
Things will get better.
Instead, try phrases like:
I care about you.
I’m here and I want to help you.
You are not alone.
If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts and ideations, there are many resources that are here to help. If a loved one has opened up to you, it is important to introduce these resources and start discussing the possibility of seeking out a professional, such as a therapist or a psychiatrist.
It is important to follow up after this person has sought out help. Letting them know that they have your continual care and support can motivate them to continue seeking help and taking care of themselves.
Resources
24/7 Crisis Hotline: 988 Suicide & Crisis lifeline
Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741 to text a trained crisis counselor for free available 24/7
Veterans Crisis Line: Send a text to 838255
You can also visit your:
Primary care provider
Local psychiatric hospital, walk-in clinic, urgent care center, or emergency department
Finding Mental Health Care:
Suicide prevention is a public health issue. Everybody has to play a role in identifying and helping those at risk. If you are suffering from suicidal thoughts and ideations, know that you are not alone.