The 10th leading cause of death in the United States overall is completely preventable. Suicide kills over 40,000 people per year, and is a deep cause for concern for many. This is clear in the media as suicide becomes a prominent topic in television shows, movies, and more. Teens and young adults in particular face a high risk of suicide; it’s the second leading cause of death for people 15-34. You can help prevent suicide in those around you and for yourself by knowing the warning signs.
Warning Signs
- Certain conversation topics such as:
- Death, dying, or wanting to kill themselves
- Emptiness and hopelessness
- Guilt or shame
- Feeling trapped or having no reasons to live
- Being a burden to others
- Unbearable emotional or physical pain
- Substance abuse
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Taking extreme physical risks
- Extreme mood swings, including displays of rage or revenge
- Putting affairs in order. This might include:
- Giving away treasured items
- Saying goodbye to loved ones
- Writing a will
Should these signs apply to you or someone you know, contact help right away. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also use the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use the Lifeline at 1-800-799-4889.
Risk Factors
Suicide is complex and without a single cause. Usually, there are multiple factors that combine prior to suicide.
- Depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders
- Substance abuse
- Chronic pain and other severe medical conditions
- Domestic and family violence
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Having guns or weapons at home
- Recently being released from jail or prison
- Exposure to others’ suicidal behavior. This can go from family members up to celebrities taking their lives–particularly if they were the favorite of a person at risk.
- You should also note that media containing depictions of suicide is a risk factor. This is especially true if the media in question actually portrays the suicide.
Suicide risk also affects gender and race differently. Men are more likely to succeed in a suicide attempt than women, although women are more likely to attempt it. This is because men tend to use deadlier methods, like firearms. For race and ethnic groups, Native Americans and Alaska Natives tend to have the highest suicide rates, followed by whites. On the other end, African-Americans tend to have a lower suicide rate, followed by Latinx people.
Not every risk factor means that someone will attempt or contemplate suicide. However, this should make it clear; suicidal thoughts or actions are not a harmless cry for attention or “acting out.” They are the result of extreme stress and must be addressed immediately.
How to Help Prevent Suicide
- Ask. It may be hard. But the first step to helping a suicidal person is to ask them if they are having suicidal thoughts. This makes you aware of the problem and doesn’t put them at any further risk.
- Remove dangerous items. Limit or reduce the person’s access to lethal items or places, especially if you know it’s part of that person’s plan. It can make a difference to whether or not they choose to attempt suicide.
- Listen. Be present and learn about their feelings and thoughts. Acknowledge and discuss suicide and suicidal thoughts. Unlike representations in the media or the suicidal actions of others, this kind of discussion can actually reduce suicidal thoughts.
- Reach out. Be sure to keep the National Suicide Prevention number in your phone and in their phone so that both of you can use it when necessary: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). For those with anxiety or other talking-related concerns, use the Crisis Text Line: 741741. Also, never keep suicide confidential. Reach out to a trusted individual who will help that person, like a mental health professional or a family member (when the family is not among the reasons for considering suicide).
- Stay connected. Stay in touch after a crisis. Keeping close contact with that friend or family member can reduce the risks for suicide after the fact.
Suicide is a preventable disease. To help prevent suicide, be sure to talk to at-risk individuals today and familiarize yourself with the signs. Above all, just be there to help.