Preventing Suicide With Awareness, Intervention, and Hope

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 132 people in the U.S. die each day by suicide. For every suicide, there are 25 attempts. Suicide can be prevented, and prevention begins with recognizing the warning signs and knowing when it’s time to seek help. Below are warning signs and ways to help others or yourself move toward wellness. 

Warning Signs

Pay attention to what people say. Do they talk about:

• Killing themselves?
• Feeling hopeless?
• Having no reason to live?
• Being a burden to others?
• Feeling trapped?
• Experiencing unbearable pain?

Pay attention to what people do. Are they:

• Increasing their use of alcohol or drugs?
• Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for materials or means?
• Withdrawing from activities?
• Isolating from family and friends?
• Sleeping too much or too little?
• Visiting or calling people to say goodbye?
• Giving away prized possessions?
• Showing signs of aggression?
• Appearing fatigued, depressed, agitated, or anxious?

Methods for Prevention and Wellness

Most people who feel suicidal don’t actually want to die; they just want the pain to go away. This is why exploring coping methods is so important. Here are some methods to share with anyone you know who might be struggling: 

• Untreated mental illness, particularly depression, is the number one cause of suicide;  substance abuse is a close second. If you or a loved one is dealing with a substance use disorder, it is important to determine if there is also an underlying mental health disorder. When both disorders are concurrently active, this can become a life-threatening condition. It’s why seeking help is not merely an option, it’s a must.
  
  
• Even if you consider yourself a total recluse, find those you can talk to about your suicidal feelings (in addition to your therapist). For some, it’s a trusted family member, for others, it’s a special friend. Plenty of great online forums such as PsychCentral.com where you can post your feelings anonymously are available 24-7. Some people on these forums are going through similar things, and some have lived through it and have gone on to lead happy and fulfilling lives. Familiarize yourself with suicide hotlines such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. If all else fails and you are at immediate risk, dial 911. A well-trained and compassionate police officer will lend a listening ear.
  
  
• Don’t let insurance be a deterrent in seeking help. If your insurance plan offers minimal coverage for therapy, look into various sliding-scale or free programs to get the support you need. If you’re a senior, note that Medicare offers mental health care services as part of your coverage.
  
  
• Never underestimate the effectiveness of exercise. Whether you lift weights or go for a run, exercise not only gets your endorphins going, but it’s a great distraction.
  
  
• Talk to your healthcare provider about your options for prescription medications, or find out if there are supplements that can assist in mood health treatment.
  
  
• Keep a journal to write down your thoughts, feelings, and fears.
  
  
• Explore activities that make you feel good about yourself, whether it’s spending time with friends or volunteering with your favorite nonprofit organization.
  
  
• Create a contract stating that you will not kill yourself, and share it with your therapist and loved ones. Include in it a step-by-step plan to follow the next time you feel suicidal. Because thinking during a crisis feels next to impossible, it’s important to have a course of action ready before thoughts of suicide occur. 

No one struggling suicidal thoughts should have to feel any form of shame or isolation. Hopefully, knowing these warning signs and coping methods will help and bring hope. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above warning signs intensely or persistently, seek help as soon as possible. Call your physician or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.