September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis, and change the conversation around suicide. We believe that suicide is preventable and we all have the ability to make an impact in the lives of those around us. We’re here with some things you may not know about suicide prevention, mental health resources, and an invitation to use your power to make a difference.
If you are currently experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help. Call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
If you are not in crisis but are struggling and would like to talk to someone, fill out an intake form to get connected to one of our therapists. You may qualify to receive free therapy sessions through one of our pro bono programs.
Who is impacted by suicide?
While suicide does not discriminate, there are populations more at risk than others:
What are the risk factors?
It’s important to be aware of the characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide.
Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
Alcohol and other substance use disorders
Hopelessness
Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
History of trauma or abuse
Major physical illnesses
Previous suicide attempt(s)
Family history of suicide
Job or financial loss
Loss of relationship(s)
Easy access to lethal means
Local clusters of suicide
Lack of social support and sense of isolation
Stigma associated with asking for help
Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)
What are the warning signs?
Although a suicide attempt is not always predictable, there are signs to help you determine if someone you know is at risk for suicide. The following behaviors can be indicators that a loved one is at risk, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or is in response to a life change, loss, or painful event.
Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing or isolating themselves
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Extreme mood swings
How can you intervene?
If you recognize the warning signs, don’t be afraid to take action. It is imperative that those at risk receive support from their loved ones and care from a mental health professional before it’s too late.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline recommends the following 5 action steps:
Ask: If you suspect someone you know is thinking about suicide, ask them. Research shows that people who are struggling with thoughts of suicide actually feel relief when someone asks them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.
Be There: Listen without judgment. Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by after speaking to someone who cares.
Keep Them Safe: If your loved one has a gun or lives in a home with a gun, seek out-of-home storage options if you are able. Multiple studies have shown that when lethal means are made less accessible, suicide rates by that method decline and often suicide rates overall decline.
Help Them Stay Connected: Make sure your loved one has a support system. Research indicates that helping someone at risk create a network of individuals and resources for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
Follow Up: Thoughts of suicide don’t go away overnight. Studies show that intervention and ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals who have been recently discharged from hospitals or care services.
What is 988?
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. They are committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.
Anyone can call or text 988, or live chat at 988lifeline.org.
988 provides care recommendations and additional resources for attempt survivors and their loved ones, those who have lost someone to suicide, and stories of hope and recovery.