Lessening the likelihood of suicide for yourself and your loved ones: strategies and tips.
Despite a decrease in suicidal tendencies among young Americans, 13.2 million still seriously pondered suicide, and 3.8 million planned it. Regrettably, 1.6 million Elements from 10 to 24 years old even attempted it. These figures highlight that the "hidden suicide crisis" is far from over, as stated by Dr. Mitch Prinstein, the top science executive at the American Psychological Association.
The United States continues to maintain some of the highest suicide attempt rates in developed nations, and the rate of suicides, often involving firearms, remains notably high. Prinstein, a distinguished professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, made these comments via email.
Given that October is National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, Dr. Justin Baker, clinical director of the Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative for Veterans (STRIVE) at Ohio State University, emphasizes the significance of educating yourself about suicide. This knowledge is crucial in reducing your own likelihood of suicide and supporting your loved ones.
In fact, each year, over 720,000 people around the globe lose their lives to suicide, making it the third leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 29.
Parents are encouraged to discuss suicide with their teenagers in the same manner as they would address topics like sex or drugs.
“There are simple, confirmed methods to lower the risk of suicide for both oneself and one's loved ones,” Baker, also an assistant professor within the department of psychiatry and behavioral health at Ohio State, said via email.
Understanding the following five facts about suicide can be beneficial.
1. Warning signs may occur
Professionals in mental health and research have not yet managed to foresee with unwavering accuracy who is prone to attempt suicide, or when those at risk will do so. That's due to the varying impact of stressors that might trigger suicide in one individual not having the same effect on others. Furthermore, there may not always be an extended duration during which someone is suicidal and exhibiting behavior indicating the need for help.
However, when someone is suicidal and plotting an extended period, they may display behavioral or emotional changes. These modifications, as well as other risk factors, can include:
● Displaying unusual behavior with potentially deadly objects such as firearms or pills
● Giving away cherished belongings
● Abnormalities in sleep patterns, either excessive or insufficient
● Withdrawing or isolating oneself
● Being excessively intoxicated or engaging in risky driving
● Discussing a desire to die, either through suicide or otherwise
● Struggling to find reasons to live
● Feeling like a burden, unwanted, or out of place
● Feeling hopeless
● Coping through substance abuse
● A history of trauma
● Experiencing mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and personality disorders, especially when not receiving treatment
● Having a personal or family history of suicide
● Easy access to potentially lethal means
● Loss of interest in hobbies or school.
2. Not all those who attempt suicide have mental health conditions
A prevalent misconception about suicide is that only those with mental health conditions harbor suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide. However, this is not always the case. Many individuals who attempt or lose their lives to suicide do not meet the conditions for mental health disorders, according to clinical psychologist Dr. Michael Roeske, who spoke with CNN in a previous piece. Rather, they are likely struggling to endure an avalanche of stressful situations such as job loss, homelessness, infidelity, trauma, legal issues, debilitating illnesses, or other crises.
3. Help is available
If you suspect that a loved one might be at risk of suicide, be supportive and deliberate in asking about their well-being, experts advise. They recommend using an empathetic, narrative approach—such as posing an open-ended question like, "Hey, I noticed life's become overly intense these past couple days. Care to share what's going on?"
Attentively listen, express appreciation for their openness, and offer to help troubleshoot together, without providing unwarranted advice or encouraging them with optimistic reasons to live. But if your loved one appears to be in more immediate danger or in the process of attempting suicide, seek medical help or dial 911. Alternatively, you can call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to connect with experienced counselors who can assist you or someone you know in working through suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
If you're grappling with suicidal thoughts, seek professional help and share your feelings with someone you trust. Therapy and certain psychiatric medications, like antidepressants, can also aid in recovery.
Additionally, "developing a crisis response plan, a strategy that people create to identify coping mechanisms they can employ in a crisis, can significantly decrease the risk of a suicide attempt," Baker said.
4. People who attempt suicide are not selfish
Sometimes, suicide is viewed as a selfish act, but this perspective is ill-informed and derogatory. Those who attempt or lose their lives to suicide frequently yearn to alleviate their pain or perceive themselves as burdensome. Many do not see any other alternative. Therefore, "short-sighted" may be a more suitable term since their focus becomes narrowed to the immediate predicament, impairing their ability to perceive the broader picture of their past, present, and future, Roeske explained.
5. The manner in which you discuss suicide is significant
Ignoring suicide as a taboo topic is a critical step in reducing the stigma that prevents some people from seeking help. However, the words we choose and the way we convey them also matter.
Many health professionals, establishments, and media outlets have shifted their language around certain harmful phrases, such as labeling a suicide as "committed," due to its connotation of criminality and potential moral judgment. Dr. Jacek Debiec, a psychiatry assistant professor at the University of Michigan, shared this perspective with CNN in a previous piece.
Designating a suicide attempt as "successful" is problematic, for taking one's life is not a desirable accomplishment. Utilizing the term "failed suicide attempt" can imply that survival isn't the ideal outcome or suggests deficiencies in the character or resilience of the individual attempting suicide. With these considerations in mind, experts advise using phrases like "died by suicide," "fatal suicide attempt," "took her own life," or "he ended his life," when discussing suicide.
Appropriate abbreviations for referring to a non-fatal suicide attempt include "nonfatal suicide attempt" or just "suicide attempt."
Employing more compassionate language in suicide discourse can also foster empathy and contribute to the development of strategies for minimizing suicide risk, according to these experts.
Implementing regular wellness activities can significantly contribute to maintaining good health and reducing the risk of suicide. For instance, activities such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness exercises have been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health.
Furthermore, focusing on overall health, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular check-ups, can also help in preventing suicidal thoughts. It's essential to prioritize health and wellness as key components in suicide prevention strategies.
