Suicide is described as the result of an individual’s violence directed towards themselves leading to their death (NIMH). A suicider attempt is when an individual engages in violent behavior towards themselves with the intent to end their lives, but they do not die because of their actions (NIMH). According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) it is best to avoid terms such as “committing suicide” or a “successful suicide”, as these terms often carry negative connotations. 

The Center of Disease Control (CDC) reports that suicide is a serious public health problem that can have a lasting, harmful effect on indviduals, families, and communities. While its causes are complex and determined by multiple factors, the goal of suicide prevention is to reduce factors that increase risk and increase factors that promote resilience. Ideally, prevention should address all levels of influence, including individual, relationship, community, and societal. Effective prevention strategies are needed to promote awareness of suicide and encourage a commitment to societal change (CDC, 2020).

Even among those who are at risk, most do not attempt suicide. However, it remains difficult to predict the likelihood that one will act on suicidal thoughts. 

Even though anyone can be at risk of suicide, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are more lkely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide. Additionally, the CDC reports that certain demographics are at higher risk: 

American Indian and Alaska Native youth and middle-aged persons have the highest rate of suicide, followed by non-Hispanic White middle-aged and older adult males. African Americans have the lowest suicide rate, while Hispanics have the second lowest rate. The exception to this is younger children. African American children under the age of 12 have a higher rate of suicide than White children. While younger preteens and teens have a lower rate of suicide than older adolescents, there has been a significant rise in the suicide rate among youth ages 10 to 14. Suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death for this age group, accounting for 425 deaths per year and surpassing the death rate for traffic accidents, which is the most common cause of death for young people (CDC, 2020).

National Institution of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that research has suggested that people who attempt suicide may react to events, think, and make decisions differently than those who do not attempt suicide. These differences appear to be found more frequently in individuals struggling with depression, substance abuse, anxiety, borderline personality, and psychosis. Risk factors are important to consider; however, warning signs are better predictors of danger and likelihood that an individual will attempt suicide and needs immediate attention. 

The following behaviors may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide: 

The importance of debunking the myths: 

• Allow individuals to look at suicide from a different angle, which is one of more understanding and compassion

• Can help individuals struggling obtain the help they need to learn healthy coping skills and access to a support system

• Reduce stigma so that individuals struggling with thoughts about suicide may feel more open to seeking help

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on exploring and identifying the relationship between one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In therapy, both client and therapist work on uncovering unhealthy thoughts and how they may be causing self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. After identifying those thought patterns, the client and therapist can work on developing constructive ways of thinking that will in turn result in healthier behaviors and beliefs. For example, the process of CBT can help an individual combat low self-esteem by replacing negative self-talk such as “I can never do anything right”, with statements/ thoughts that lead to more positive expectations (i.e., “I can do this most of the time, based on prior experiences”). NAMI states the following: 

Studies of CBT have shown it to be an effective treatment for a wide variety of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and schizophrenia. Individuals who undergo CBT show changes in brain activity, suggesting that this therapy actually improves your brain functioning as well (2020). 

Another form of psychotherapy commonly used to treat individuals struggling with thoughts of suicide is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which is similar to CBT, but has more of a mindfulness-based approach, which is especially helpful for those who have what’s called borderline personality disorder, and lots of suicidal thoughts. Furthermore, some kids; particularly those who are very depressed or anxious or have attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), may benefit from medication in combination with psychotherapy (Child Mind Institute, 2020). According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), DBT is heavily based on CBT with one big exception: it emphasizes validation, or accepting uncomfortable thoughts, feelings and behaviors instead of struggling with them. It is believed that having an individual come to terms with the troubling thoughts, emotions or behaviors that they struggle with, change no longer appears impossible and can work with a therapist to come up with a gradual plan for recovery. In this form of psychotherapy, it is the therapist’s role to help the client find a balance between acceptance and change. Furthermore, they help the individual develop new skills, like coping skills and mindfulness practices. Improving coping strategies is an essential part of successful DBT treatment. NAMI reported the following:

Studies have shown DBT to be effective at producing significant and long-lasting improvement for people experiencing a mental illness. It helps decrease the frequency and severity of dangerous behaviors, uses positive reinforcement to motivate change, emphasizes the individual’s strengths and helps translate the things learned in therapy to the person’s everyday life (2020).

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