Suicide Prevention
If you have struggled with suicide in the past or have lost a loved one, you are not alone. Suicide is a significant health concern worldwide. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there were an estimated 1.38 million suicide attempts in 2019. One way to help others that are struggling with thoughts of suicide is to be aware of suicide warning signs and to advocate for suicide prevention. Keep reading to learn more about suicide warning signs and how to help.
Warning Signs
Someone that is contemplating suicide may be showing signs; however, they might not be straightforward. Knowing and understanding these signs are key to providing help.
Individuals may feel like they are a burden to people around them. You might see this reflected in actions such as self-isolation and withdrawal from everyday activities or activities they once enjoyed. These individuals might also increase their use of alcohol and drugs or acting carelessly. Other warning signs of suicide include giving away valuable possessions and visiting or calling people to say goodbye. You also might sense their moods such as being on edge, irritable, careless, loss of interest, or shame. Or you might hear them talking about having no reason to live or being trapped.
Understanding
It can often be hard to comprehend why someone would have thoughts of suicide. To better understand those that are struggling, it’s important to know potential risk factors. These include health, environmental, and historical factors. One risk factor is an underlying mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression. Other risk factors include stressful events and a family history of suicide. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention notes that “suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair.” They also stress that the majority of people who live with mental health conditions will not die by suicide. The first step to helping these individuals recover is listening to them with the intent of understanding what they are struggling with.
Other factors that contribute to patterns of suicidal thoughts include significant personal trauma and certain personality disorders, like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. These mental health conditions can make it difficult to perceive reality in a way that allows for a positive outlook on life. The ASFP notes that “suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair.” The first step to helping these individuals recover is talking to them with the intent of understanding what they are struggling with.
Statistics
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.
- On average there are 130 suicides per day
- In 2019, firearms accounted for 50.39% of all suicide deaths
- In 2019, men died by suicide over three times more often than women
- LGBTQ youth are three times more likely to have thoughts of suicide than heterosexual youth
- LGBTQ youth are almost five times more likely to have attempted suicide than heterosexual youth
- Nationally, 40% of transgender adults reported having made a suicide attempt in their lifetime
How to Help
Start by checking in on your friends and family to see how they are doing. If you have noticed a difference in their behavior and they don’t open up about it, mention to them that they don’t seem themselves. This will hopefully allow them to feel comfortable enough to talk about how they have been feeling. If someone reaches out to you for help, help them create a plan for recovery. If they reject your help, encourage them to still seek guidance from a medical professional. Keep an eye on them and reach out to a family member if you think it’s a significant issue. The most supportive thing anyone can do for someone that is struggling is to listen to what they have to say and create a positive environment for them.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, remember that you are not alone and you can find help.
Sources to help:
24 Hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
ECU Counseling Center:
- Urgent Support Services are available Monday-Friday 8am-5pm by calling 252-328-6661.
If after hours, call 252-328-6661 and press ‘2.’
LGBTQ Suicide Prevention Resources
ECU Cares: ecucares.ecu.edu/