September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to reflect on and communicate about one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
In the United States, suicide rates increased by 37% between 2000 and 2018, and despite an interval of a few years when rates dipped down a bit, suicide rates have remained troublingly high in the U.S.A.
Mental health challenges can lead to the risks associated with suicide: feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, a belief that one’s situation will not improve, and thinking oneself to be a burden on others.
Stigma, shame, and misinformation can keep people experiencing suicidal thoughts from seeking help.
National Suicide Prevention Month exists to spread awareness about risk factors and warning signs, share resources, and remind vulnerable people that help is available.
Research on crisis hotlines shows that being able to talk openly about suicide can help those at risk to reconsider their potentially fatal lines of thought.
National Suicide Prevention Month emphasizes openly discussing suicide in an effort to reduce stigma and increase the likelihood that someone in crisis will reach out. Also, it serves to help others be more comfortable helping a suicidal individual reaching out in crisis.
Keeping open lines of communication can lead to life-saving discussions where a suicidal person manages to challenge the thoughts that could lead to suicide. For instance, people who believe they are a burden may see that those around them actually see value in them, and don’t believe them to be a burden.
Suicide is complex and rarely has a single cause. Risk factors often overlap, including:
Risk factors do not necessarily lead to a suicide attempt, but awareness of risks can help us recognize when someone needs support.
If you see these signs, trust your gut and be active in reaching out.
A mental health professional can give someone at risk of suicide the treatment necessary to getting a handle on the situation. Whenever possible, try to get someone who is at immediate risk of suicide into professional medical care ASAP.
If you have been noticing risk factors of suicide in someone, or suddenly find yourself in a situation with someone who is evincing these risks, here are some ways to offer support:
If the situation worsens or seems to be an emergency, call 988 or offer to take them to an emergency room.
Stay calm and be open, honest, and transparent. Calmly ask simple direct questions in offer of help, like “Can I help you get in touch with your psychiatrist?” Even if you do not feel calm, try to keep a neutral face and not show signs of nervousness.
Remove weapons, stockpiled pills, or other means of suicide or self-harm.
If in a group, make sure one person at a time speaks. Avoid interrupting if necessary, and try to keep everyone calm.
Communicate your personal concern and support (e.g., why you personally value this person).
Avoid philosophical discussions about whether suicide is justified or not, right or wrong, and the like; keep the discussion practical and grounded.
Be patient — this could be a long conversation.
Unfortunately, stigma that encourages people to view mental health struggles as a sign of weakness or personal failure can make it harder for people at risk of suicide to reach out.
In some cases, this stigma may worsen the risk, as seeing suicidality as a personal deficiency could exacerbate feelings of worthlessness or being burdensome.
Understanding the causes, influences, and risk factors related to suicide can help individuals challenge the stigma of suicide. Also, realizing how common the issue is could lead to a more compassionate view on suicide. It’s a public health crisis that needs people to take action.
Getting professional mental health treatment can help manage suicide risk. It also supports a return to health and emotional safety.
In an immediate crisis, connecting to a suicide hotline can be a helpful recourse. The professionals on the other end of the line will know where to find treatment at any time of the day.
For a larger list of crisis hotlines, see this compilation, which includes specialized hotlines for suicide and other issues.
Need professional mental healthcare for you or someone at risk of suicide? Professional help from bonmente can be lifesaving. We offer telepsychiatry services to residents of Arizona, California, or Florida. Our in-person treatment is available at our psychiatric practice in Long Beach, California. We accept most insurances and have appointments readily available.
We are proud to announce that bonmente has expanded its telehealth psychiatric services to include mental health services in Arizona. We are now licensed to provide telepsychiatry services in three states: Arizona, California, and Florida. If you live in any of those states, read on for our services and what conditions we treat. Mental Health […]
Since 1949, the United States has recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month. As a psychiatric practice, bonmente is well aware that although a month of awareness is amazing, mental health issues don’t care about the calendar. We know that for many Americans and people around the world, busy schedules and other life demands can […]
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