World Suicide Prevention Day: Warning signs and resources for those in need

September is suicide prevention month. It is possible to save someone's life by recognizing warning signs and providing resources.

According to the CDC, suicide was the 12th leading cause of death in the United States in 2020. It was one of the top three causes of death for people under the age of 34.

White men have the highest suicide rates in the United States. There was a slight increase in suicide rates among black people in 2020.

The Zero Suicide Institute at Education Development Center has a vice president who wants to understand who is at higher risk.

It is possible for the loved ones of people experiencing suicidal thoughts to notice signs and intervene.

Some indicators of suicidal thinking aren't as obvious as you'd think

Voicing suicidal ideations

If a loved one says those words to you, then they should be taken seriously.

It's important to address suicide if someone you know is talking about it. To pay close attention to the comments.

• “People would be better off without me.”
• “I wish I were dead.”
• “I can’t take it anymore.”
• “I just can’t go on.”
• “You won’t have to worry about me anymore.”

Behavioral changes including creating a plan

She says it's important to know if someone is coming up with a plan to hurt themselves. Someone reading or writing about suicide is one of the indicators.

Behavioral changes can suggest that someone is having suicidal thoughts because they don't want to do things they used to like.

These changes are signs to watch out for.

• No longer wanting to hang out with other people
• Quitting sports
• Skipping school, getting lower grades
• Having a more difficult time going to work
• Drinking or using drugs
• Sleeping more or sleeping less

Some people who are depressed think about suicide, but sometimes that depression looks more like anxiety or Irritability. If we see things like that, we would want to think about warning signs as well.

If you suspect someone is considering suicide, the next step is to ask them if they mean what they say.

Asking directly doesn't put the idea in someone's head, she says, "If they already have the idea or thoughts of suicide, being asked in a genuine and compassionate way, actually relieves their anxiety."

She notes that if you walk away from the situation without asking if the person really means what they say, it could make things worse.

"They just want to be listened to and know that they're heard"

Don't say things like:

• “Why would you do that?”
• “Don’t do anything stupid or crazy.”
• “It’s not worth getting upset about.”
• “Things will get better.”

Aim for phrases that mean something.

• “Is suicide something that you’re telling me you’re thinking about?”
• “I care about you.”
• “I want to understand.”
• “I’m here, and I want to help you.”
• “You are not alone.”

Try to get as much information as you can to see if they have a plan.

If they have access to means to follow through or a day chosen to do so, it can give you a sense of how high-risk the situation is.

You can begin to discuss the possibility of speaking with a professional after someone opens up to you about their feelings.

After a person seeks out these resources, follow up. Ensuring that they are doing better, plan to keep using preventative measures, and knowing that you support them is important.

You can suggest some resources.

• Call 988: 24/7 Suicide Crisis Lifeline
• Talk to a mental health professional. (Ask if you can take them to their appointment if that is more comfortable)
• Speak to your primary care doctor or physician

Everyone is responsible for suicide prevention. The issue is a public health one. It takes a lot of people to identify people at risk.

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