A Few Words on a Hard Topic

Some health topics are just hard. Suicide is one of the hardest.

It is both an uncomfortable topic to discuss and a heartbreaking reality for too many families. But, by participating in the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we might be able to prevent suicides and save lives.

To raise awareness, September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month. First, some facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Suicide is a leading cause of death and affects people of all ages

In 2022, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for all people ages 10-64 and the second leading cause of death (behind road traffic deaths) for two age groups: people ages 10-14 and 25-34.

Suicide is a serious public health problem

Suicide rates increased approximately 36% between 2000–2022. In 2022, suicide was responsible for 49,476 deaths, or about one death every 11 minutes. The number of people who think about or attempt suicide is even higher.

Suicide has a far-reaching impact

Suicide and suicide attempts affect the health and well-being of friends, loved ones, co-workers, and the community. When people die by suicide, their surviving family and friends often experience grief, shock, anger, guilt, symptoms of depression or anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide themselves. Suicide and suicide attempts can cause serious emotional, physical, and economic impacts.

Possible Risk factors

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides some important messages about suicide prevention, including a list of risk factors that could make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide, including:

• 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

Take Action

If a friend or loved one is thinking about suicide, professional help is needed — even if suicide is not a danger right away. The Mayo Clinic advises:

Urge the person to contact a suicide hotline

In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or use the Lifeline Chat. Veterans or service members can call 988 and then press “1,” or text 838355, or chat online. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has a Spanish-language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).

Help the person to seek treatment

Someone who is very depressed may not have the energy or motivation to find help and may need help researching treatment options. Offer to make phone calls and review insurance benefit information. You also can offer to go with the person to an appointment.

Talk

Someone who is thinking about suicide may feel guilty and ashamed. Try to be supportive and understanding. Listen closely, avoid blame and do not interrupt. Talk about treatment and ways to make life feel better again.

Discourage alcohol and drug use

Drugs or alcohol can lead to unsafe behaviors or feeling more depressed. If the person needs help quitting, offer to help find treatment.

Remove dangerous items from the person’s home, if possible

If you can, make sure the person does not have items around that could be used for suicide, such as knives, razors, guns or drugs. If the person takes a medicine that could be used for overdose, urge the person to have someone keep it and give it as prescribed.

We Can All Help

You or someone you know may be impacted by the loss of someone to suicide. Grief—whether from a natural death or suicide—can be painful and often overwhelming. Stigma associated with suicide can make it difficult to be open or want to share your thoughts and feelings, but going it alone isn’t the healthiest option either. If you or someone you know could use support, check out https://afsp.org/ive-lost-someone/ or look for support near you. You’re not alone.