Save a Life: Recognize the Warning Signs of Suicide
Feelings of despair and hopelessness are more serious than just a case of feeling down. For people living with a mental illness, these emotions can lead to dire consequences. Suicide is a public health crisis that affects not just the person involved in the act, but their family and friends as well. This Mental Health Awareness Month, learn about some of the risk factors that can lead to suicide and some prevention strategies to help those in crisis.
About Suicide
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, responsible for more than 49,000 deaths in 2022 — that’s equal to one death every 11 minutes. Additionally, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34. Furthermore, in 2022 an estimated 13.2 million American adults contemplated suicide; 3.8 million made a plan and 1.6 million attempted suicide. From 2021 to 2022, the number of suicides increased by 2.7%.
The CDC reports suicide is rarely caused by a singular event, but rather numerous factors compounding over time. Risk factors may include the following:
- Personal factors like: previous suicide attempts; history of depression or other mental illness; serious illness like chronic pain; criminal or legal problems; problems with work or finances; impulsive or aggressive tendencies; substance abuse; childhood experiences like abuse or trauma; a sense of hopelessness; and being the victim or perpetrator of violence.
- Relationship factors like: bullying; history of suicide among family or friends; loss of relationships; high-conflict or violent relationships; and social isolation.
- Community factors like: lack of access to healthcare; suicide cluster in the community; stress brought on by acculturation, or the assimilation into a different culture; community violence; historical trauma; and discrimination.
- Societal factors like: stigma associated with seeking mental healthcare; easy access to means of suicide; unsafe media portrayals of suicide.
Conversely, some protective factors may include the following:
- Personal factors like learning coping and problem-solving skills, finding reasons to live (e.g., family, friends, and pets), and having a strong sense of cultural identity.
- Relationship factors like support from partners, friends, and family, and feeling connected to others.
- Community factors like feeling connected to one’s school or other social institutions, and availability of consistent, quality physical and mental healthcare services.
- Societal factors like reduced access to means of suicide and cultural, religious, or moral objections to suicide.
Recognize the Warning Signs
In some cases, people contemplating suicide may exhibit one or more drastic changes in their behavior, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Warning signs for those at immediate risk of suicide, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), include the following:
- Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
- Talking about feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped
- Talking about being a burden to other people
- Talking about death often
- Feelings of unbearable emotional or physical pain
- Isolating themselves from family and friends
- Giving away prized possessions
- Saying goodbye
- Organizing one’s affairs (e.g., making a will)
- Risky behavior that could lead to self-harm or death
The NIMH adds the following behaviors may also be considered warning signs:
- Extreme mood swings
- Making a plan or researching suicide methods
- Talking about feeling guilty or shameful
- Excess drug and alcohol use
- Feeling anxious, stressed, or agitated
- Changes in diet or sleeping habits
- Feelings of rage or vengeance
How to Help
Suicidal actions or thoughts are not a normal reaction to stress — the warning signs should never be ignored. If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of the above behaviors, seek immediate help by calling the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or 911 for life-threatening situations. The NIMH also outlines a five-step plan to be present for someone contemplating suicide:
- ASK — This may be a difficult question, but ask the person directly, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” Studies have shown asking this question head-on does not increase the risk of suicide for at-risk individuals.
- KEEP THEM SAFE — Prohibit their access to lethal means of suicide, such as guns and other weapons, drugs and alcohol, and dangerous places.
- BE THERE — Listen to their feelings and communicate with them. Acknowledging suicidal tendencies or thoughts has been known to decrease the risk of suicide.
- HELP THEM CONNECT — Provide resources they can access in times of crisis such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Additionally, you may also put them in contact with a trusted advisor like a friend, family member, or mental health professional.
- STAY CONNECTED — Follow up with them to not only make sure they’re fine, but to show someone cares for them and is always willing to help.