Suicide Prevention
It is a complete myth that talking about suicide makes people more likely to die by suicide. In fact, it is the EXACT OPPOSITE. Knowing about suicide risk and protective factors, ways to intervene if someone is suicidal, and how to talk about it actually make it more like that the person will seek and find help. So, we’re here to get you educated! Watch out for each other. If you notice warning signs in someone you know, don't be afraid to talk to them about it.
SUICIDE RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS
Risk factors for suicide include:
-prior suicide attempts or self-harm
-abuse of drugs or alcohol
-mental health diagnosis (ex: depression, bipolar disorder, or PTSD)
-access to means of suicide (medication, firearms, etc.)
-social isolation
You might not always see or know about someone's risk factors. What you might watch for instead, are warning signs like:
-talking about feeling like a burden
-feeling hopeless or worthless
-talking about giving up, feeling trapped, or that pain is unbearable
-reckless behavior and/or increase in drug/alcohol use
-withdrawal or isolation
-depressed mood, or mood swings
-sleeping too little or too much
-giving away belongings
Protective factors include:
-access to and engagement in mental health treatment
-coping skills
-connection to social supports (ie: friends, family, community)
-focus on the future, hope for the future, a feeling of meaning in life
WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE IS SUICIDAL
Know that if you see one or two of these risk factors or warning signs, it doesn't necessarily mean the person is suicidal. It means they might be at an increased risk. When you see one or more of these factors, check in with the person! You can ask “how are you doing?” as a general opener. Depending on their answer, you can ask
“are you having suicidal thoughts?”. THIS IS AN OKAY QUESTION TO ASK. It won’t make them think “oh man, I hadn’t thought of that, what a good idea!” They will either say “no”, or, “yes”.
If they say no, still give support! If those warning signs are present, the person still needs care and compassion.
If they say yes, ask whether or not they have a plan. If they do, ask whether they have the means for that plan (i.e.: if their plan is to overdose, do they have the medication on hand? how much? what medication?) and if the answer is yes here, either support the person in calling a crisis hotline, getting to the hospital, calling 911, or asking if you can hold onto their means for a little while (only if you are comfortable with this last option, of course). These are all great ways to get someone immediately safe when they are at imminent risk of suicide.
If you’re not sure what to do when someone says they are suicidal, you can also call the crisis hotline. They can talk to the person, or walk you through how to be supportive and keep the person safe in their specific situation.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
Individually, person by person, is one way to prevent suicide. We are all responsible for checking on each other and doing what we can to ensure safety. However, we can also do things on a community level to prevent suicide.
PREVENTING SUICIDE ON A LARGER SCALE
Fight mental health stigma to increase the likelihood that people seek help. This means talking about mental illness and suicide, using compassionate language, and learning about mental health. The more we normalize mental health concerns, the more people will get the support they need.
AGAIN: When it comes to talking about suicide and self-harm, it is a myth that talking about it makes it worse. It is actually the opposite: talking about it makes it okay to talk about, which can save lives.
Decrease access to means for suicide attempts. Individually, this can mean taking/locking up possible means like sharps, medications and firearms. This also must happen on a societal level....Let's talk about gun control. More than half of suicide deaths occur by firearms, and nearly two-thirds of firearm deaths are suicides (not homicides). We know that restricting access to means of suicide reduces risk, and guns are the most lethal means--reasonable gun control laws will help reduce suicide rates.
Types of laws that help: permit-to-purchase (or PTP), waiting periods, child access prevention and extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs). Read more here: https://americanhealth.jhu.edu/article/how-do-gun-laws-affect-suicide-rates
Increase social support. Reduce isolation and promote belonging for *everyone* and suicide rates will go down. When we are well connected and feel loved, suicide risk is greatly decreased. Individually, this means care for and check on your people. Ask how they are doing and don't be afraid to ask them directly about suicidal thoughts if you're worried. Help them get to therapy. Be good and kind. This also needs to happen on a cultural level. We need to be an ally to communities where suicide rates are proportionately higher: indigenous people and LGBTQ+ youth. We also need to maintain connection for older adults as they age--this period of life is the riskiest for many.
Share resources so help-seekers know where to go for support. Psychology Today, Open Path, NAMI are all great places to start searching for a therapist or support group.
Advocate for mental health services. Vote for public service agents and support measures that increase access to mental health care.