Tag: Psychiatrists

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. 

The Purpose of National Suicide Prevention Month

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.

The Power of Open Communication

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. 

Risk Factors of Suicide

Suicide is complex and rarely has a single cause. Risk factors often overlap, including:

• Mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or substance-use disorders; certain mental illnesses, when left untreated by mental health care, can lead to thoughts of suicide and even attempting suicide
• Chronic pain or illness (this can lead to one feeling that things cannot get better, a common belief that predicts suicidal ideation)
• Recently undergoing a tragedy or loss
• Isolation, especially without a strong support network
• History of trauma or abuse
• Access to firearms, medications, or other potentially lethal means of suicide.

Risk factors do not necessarily lead to a suicide attempt, but awareness of risks can help us recognize when someone needs support.

Warning Signs of Suicide

• Mood swings
• Social withdrawal 
• Aggression
• Increased substance use
• Giving away possessions, saying goodbye.
• Buying a weapon
• Collecting or saving pills
• Impulsivity or recklessness

If you see these signs, trust your gut and be active in reaching out. 

How to Help Someone in Crisis

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.

Breaking the Stigma of Suicide

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. 

Resources for People in a Suicidal Crisis

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. 

• National Hotline for Mental Health Crises and Suicide Prevention: 988 Lifeline
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. You can also chat online or use WhatsApp to speak with one of the volunteer crisis counselors

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.