Suicide Awareness

What is Suicide?

Suicide is a death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with the intent to die as a result of that behavior. Suicidal Ideation is referred to current thoughts about your own death, considering or planning suicide. Suicidal Attempt is a non-fatal, self-directed potentially injurious behavior with the intent to die as a result of the behavior.

Suicide is a public health concern all across the United States of America, despite it being preventable, it is the 10th leading cause of death overall. Recognizing the signs in yourself or your loved ones is very important in preventing death by suicide. Get to know the signs today:

• Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

• Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live

• Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun

• Talking about great guilt or shame

• Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions

• Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Using alcohol or drugs more often

• Acting anxious or agitated

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Changing eating and/or sleeping habits

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

• Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast

• Talking or thinking about death often

• Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy

• Giving away important possessions

• Saying goodbye to friends and family

• Putting affairs in order, making a will

What are some of the risk factors to Suicide?

Suicide affects people from all genders, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, ages, and socio-economic classes. There is no single cause for it and many different situations or circumstances can trigger a person to develop suicidal ideation. Here are some of the risk factors:

• Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder

• Certain medical conditions

• Chronic pain

• A prior suicide attempt

• Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse

• Family history of suicide

• Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse

• Having guns or other firearms in the home

• Having recently been released from prison or jail

• Being exposed to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities

If someone tells you that they are suicidal or are having thoughts about killing themselves, know that it is not a joke. You must take it seriously and find ways to help them.

The National Institute on Mental Health developed five steps you can take to help someone in emotional pain.

1. ASK: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

2. KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

3. BE THERE: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1-800-273-TALK (8255)) and the Crisis Text Line’s number (741741) in your phone, so it’s there when you need it. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

5. STAY CONNECTED: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

Take a look at our Crisis Support Hotlines here!