Important: If you or someone you know is struggling with a serious or life-threatening emergency, call or text 988 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.
The following blog post contains language and content regarding suicide, which may be triggering for some readers. Continue at your own discretion.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. In the United States, this month is dedicated to informing and engaging with the public about suicide prevention and the warning signs of suicide. Suicide can be a heavy topic to discuss and is considered taboo in some cultures. However, suicide is a serious public health concern that impacts individuals, families, and communities. It is important to understand how we as individuals can play a role in saving lives to reduce the risk factors that may contribute to suicide. Remember, you are NEVER alone.
Important Definitions:
Suicide: death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die.
Suicide attempt: A non-fatal self-directed behavior with any intent to die as a result of the behavior. A suicide attempt may or may not result in injury.
Suicidal Ideation: thinking about, considering, or planning suicide.
Any mental illness (AMI): a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder.
Serious mental illness (SMI): a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment. A SMI may interfere or limit major life activities.
Facts about Suicide:
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 45,979 people died by suicide in 2020. This is equivalent to one death every 11 minutes.
In 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicide.
Suicide rates vary based on multiple factors. Veterans, people who live in rural areas, sexual and gender minorities, middle-aged adults, and tribal populations may disproportionately experience factors linked to suicide
Warning Signs:
Someone who may be at risk for suicide may exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:
Talking about wanting to die or killing oneself
Expressing extreme hopelessness
Looking for a way to kill oneself
Talking about being a burden or feeling unbearable pain
Socially withdrawing
Increased anxiety
Increased anger
Increased substance use
Displaying extreme mood swings
Sleeping too much or too little
Making plans for suicide
Risk Factors:
The following list includes some risk factors that may increase the likelihood of suicide.
History of mental illness(es), particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
Major physical illness(es)
Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
History of trauma or abuse
Previous suicide attempt(s)
Job/Financial loss
Criminal/legal problems
Substance use disorders
Violent relationships or high conflict
Loss of relationships
Social isolation
Lack of healthcare access
Discrimination
Community violence
Support in a Crisis:
Here are some tips to consider if you or someone you know is in a crisis.
Ask questions and talk openly. Direct questions can help you analyze risk.
Examples:
“Do you have a plan for how you would kill yourself”
“Can I help you call for help?”
Keep the individual or yourself safe. Remove items that may be used to carry out a suicide plan.
Examples:
sharp objects
stockpiled pills
firearms
Listen to the individual’s concerns with care. Do not argue or threaten the individual. Patience is key. If you find yourself in a crisis, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional.
Connect the individual or yourself with ongoing support.
Examples:
licensed mental health professional
confidential hotlines or text lines
Follow up with the individual to check in on how they’re doing.
Resources: If a suicide attempt has occurred, immediately call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
If you are thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, please check out the resources below.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
Chat online at 988lifeline.org
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Trevor Project Lifeline (for LGBTQ+ Youth)
Call 1-866-488-7386
Text START to 678-678
Chat online at www.thetrevorproject.org/
Veterans Crisis Line (for military service members, veterans, and family)
Call 988 & press 1
Text 838255
Chat online at www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Support for deaf and hard of hearing: 800-799-4889
YouthLine
Call 877-968-8491
Text teen2tee to 839863
Chat online at oregonyouthline.org
The following websites provide stories of hope and recovery from suicide attempt survivors.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, July). Suicide prevention.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018, November). Suicide rising across the US. https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/suicide/index.html
Crosby, A., Ortega, L., & Melanson, C. (2011). Self-directed violence surveillance; uniform definitions and recommended data elements.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2022, January). Mental illness.