Raising awareness and taking action to prevent suicide

September 20, 2024

The Rising Tide of Suicide: Understanding Risk Factors, Warning Signs, and Life-Saving Interventions

Suicide touches lives across all backgrounds, cultures, and economic levels. From 2000 to 2022, suicide rates jumped by 36%. It’s now the second most common cause of death for those aged 10-14 and 25-34. Tragically, an average of 22 veterans die by suicide each day, known as “22 a day”. Yet, it can be prevented.

Most individuals want to live but feel trapped by their seemingly hopeless situation, unable to see other options. Some people’s ability to think clearly and find positive solutions is impaired, leading to impulsive suicide decisions.

Ways to support someone with suicidal thoughts

Whether you’re a friend, relative, colleague, educator, or community member, two key actions you can take to help support someone suicidal are:

Connect with someone who might be struggling with suicidal tendencies.
It’s as simple as saying, “I’m here, I care, and I’m ready to listen.”
Learn about suicide risk factors, warning signs, and how to offer help.

These two steps can be the difference between life and death.

Recognizing suicide risks

Risk factors don’t cause or predict suicide. However, knowing these risks helps you stay alert to the possibility that someone might be contemplating for it.

Common causes of suicide and risk factors include:

Being bullied
Feeling hopeless
Losing sense of purpose
Feeling trapped with death as the only escape
Feeling worthless
Social isolation
Guilt, shame, and despair
Stressful life events
Trauma or abuse
Depression
Anxiety
Substance abuse
Previous suicide attempts
Lack of support systems or coping skills

Risk factors are critical to monitor in adolescents. Key risk factors for adolescent suicide include depression, substance abuse, social isolation, and lack of mental health treatment.

What are the warning signs of suicide?

Specific comments or behaviors often signal a high likelihood that someone is thinking about suicide. Observable its symptoms and signs of suicidal ideation include:

Behaving anxiously, agitatedly, or recklessly
Showing extreme mood changes
Giving away prized possessions
Using more drugs or alcohol
Showing anger or rage, or talking about revenge
Sleeping too much or too little
Talking about being a burden to others
Expressing hopelessness or lack of purpose
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Mentioning wanting to die or kill themselves
Withdrawing or isolating themselves

There are also important non-observable warning signs for mental health issues that could lead to suicide, such as:

Persistent sadness, anxiety or “empty” mood
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Restlessness or irritability
Chronic physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment

How to help someone feeling suicidal

Recognizing suicide risk factors and warning signs is step one. Step two is knowing what to do when someone might be suicidal.

Here are four ways to intervene if you’re in a position to help someone feeling suicidal:

Ask.
Directly ask if they’re thinking about suicide or want to die. Avoid asking why. Instead, ask them to help you understand their thoughts and current emotional distress. Thank them for being honest and trusting you.
Listen willingly.
Get involved and withhold judgment during your talk. Be genuine, empathetic, and sincere.
Reduce risks.

Eliminate access to firearms, ammunition, and all medications, including common pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, from the person’s reach.

Address immediate concerns promptly.

For anyone expressing suicidal thoughts, having a plan, or declaring intent to end their life, call 911 or escort them to the nearest emergency room without delay. Be aware of available support

Keep these crisis hotlines handy:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to chat.
Crisis text line
Send “HOME” to 741-741.

Suicide prevention is a collective responsibility. Remain vigilant about risk factors and warning signs, and always be ready to extend help when necessary. If you are wondering, “Am I suicidal?”, there are online self-assessments and suicidal tests available, but the best option is to reach out for professional help. There are many reasons not to kill yourself, and its prevention resources are available.

Source:

Joel Streed (September 7, 2024). Preventing suicide through awareness and intervention. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/preventing-suicide-through-awareness-and-intervention/. Accessed September 20, 2024