September is Suicide Prevention Month

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.

• https://988lifeline.org/stories/

• https://livethroughthis.org/

• https://www.preventsuicidepa.org/stories/

• https://www.nami.org/Personal-Stories

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, July). Suicide prevention.

https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/index.html

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.

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness