September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo topic. According to NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness), “We use this month to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.”
Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.
During September, and throughout the year, we can care about suicide prevention; connect to community, culture, data, and research; and collaborate with others to address this public health problem that has impacted millions of Americans.
The causes of suicide are complex and determined by multiple combinations of factors, such as mental illness, substance misuse, painful losses, exposure to violence, and social isolation.
Suicide Warning Signs for Adults
Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased, and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.
Warning signs in adults may include, talking about or making plans for suicide, acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly, talking about being a burden to others, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, increasing the use of alcohol or drugs, talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live, sleeping too little or too much, withdrawing or feeling isolated, showing rage or talking about seeking revenge, or displaying extreme mood swings.
It’s time to act if you notice these signs in younger family or friends: Talking about or making plans for suicide, expressing hopelessness about the future, displaying severe/overwhelming emotional pain or distress, showing worrisome changes in behavior.
Particularly in combination with the previous warning signs, other significant signs include withdrawal from or changing social connections/situations, changes in sleep (increased or decreased), anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context and recent increased agitation or irritability.
When a suicide-related crisis occurs, friends and family are often caught off-guard, unprepared and unsure of what to do. The behaviors of a person experiencing a crisis can be unpredictable, changing dramatically without warning.
There are a few ways to approach a suicide-related crisis. Talk openly and honestly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like: “Do you have a plan for how you would kill yourself?” Remove means such as guns, knives or stockpiled pills. Calmly ask simple and direct questions, like “Can I help you call for help?”
If there are multiple people around, have one person speak at a time. Express support and concern. Don’t argue, threaten or raise your voice. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong. If you’re nervous, try not to fidget or pace. Be patient.
Of course, not everyone will display the same warning signs and in some instances a person may display the opposite signs to mask the pain they are experiencing. Whatever the case may be, it is important that you demonstrate compassion and empathy to others so they know that you are someone who they can turn to during their time of need.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 immediately.
If you are uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can chat to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
Locally you can reach someone 24/7 by calling the Crisis Warm Line at: 209-381-6819
Remember, help is only a phone call away.
