Sep 29, 20223 min read

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Written by Anna Wang

Introduction

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to share resources and stories, as well as promote awareness of suicide prevention.

Statistics

There is an average of 130 suicides each day in the U.S.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among people ages 15-24 the U.S.
79% of all people who die by suicide are male
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth
Transgender adults are 9x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population

Risk Factors

There are characteristics and conditions that make it more likely for a person to consider, attempt, or die by suicide. It is important to note, however, that these risk factors do not cause or predict a suicide.

Several factors that contribute to risk include:

Previous suicide attempt
Family history of suicide
History of depression or other mental illnesses
Serious physical health conditions
Substance misuse
History of trauma or abuse
A recent tragedy or loss
Prolonged stress, such as bullying, unemployment, or relationship problems
Access to lethal means, including firearms and drugs

Protective Factors

Access to effective physical and mental healthcare
Feeling connected to others
Support by friends and family
Effective problem-solving and coping skills
Limited access to lethal means
Cultural and religious beliefs that encourage communication and seeking-help

Warning Signs

Immediate Risk

If you or a loved one starts to take any of these steps, immediately seek help from a mental health professional or call/text 998 (998 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

Looking for a way to kill oneself
Giving away possessions
Saying goodbye to friends and family
Tying up loose ends
- Making amends
- Having deep conversations randomly
- Organizing personal papers (ex. will)

Serious Risk

Suicidal idealation
- Comments about suicide that may start off seeming harmless (ex. “I wish I wasn’t here”), but can become dangerous over time
Increased alcohol and drug use
Withdrawal from other people
Reckless, impulsive, or aggressive behavior
Dramatic mood swings
Talking about being a burden to others
Sleeping too little or too much

Support

Some ways to offer support to someone that is having suicidal thoughts are:

Let them know they are not alone and you care about them
Empathize with them, but be aware you don’t know exactly what they are feeling
Be non-judgemental
Encourage them to seek help
Help them get professional help
Do not invalidate their feelings or experiences

If you’re unsure if someone is having suicidal thoughts, you can ask:

“Are you having thoughts about ending your life?”

Oftentimes, it is better to ask direct questions rather than vague ones, and better to address the person’s feelings rather than avoid them.

What won’t help someone who is feeling suicidal?

Tell them to “cheer up” or “look on the bright side”
Tell them they should be grateful for the life they have
Change the subject
Compare their situation to someone’s whose seems worse
Compare their feelings to your own experiences

These responses can make someone feel unheard, alone, criticized, or rejected.

A Crisis Plan

A crisis plan is a plan of action to support someone’s needs when they are in crisis.

Some things to include in a crisis plan are:

Removing objects that can be used to harm oneself from the home
Not leaving the person alone
Talking to a helpline or counselor
Including reasons to live (ex. pictures of family)
Names and contacts of the person that could help them
Distraction techniques
- Take a walk/spend time in nature
- Read a book or watch a tv show
- Draw/paint
- Spend time with a pet