September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which aims to bring awareness to warning signs of suicide and disbar myths, so we can more readily help our loved ones and the people in our community. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death, killing almost 50,000 people a year, with more than 1.6 million attempts a year (AFSU, 2024). While the subject of suicide can be uncomfortable to discuss, open conversations and proactive measures are crucial in preventing these tragedies. It is a myth that talking about it will cause someone to follow through on their suicidal thoughts. Understanding the signs, knowing how to respond, and fostering supportive environments can collectively make a significant difference in suicide prevention.

Acknowledging the Risk Factors

Risk factors increase the chances that a person may try to take their own life.

• Mental health challenges such as: depression, anxiety, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
• Serious physical health conditions
• Access to lethal means such as firearms and drugs
• Prolonged stress and difficult life events
• Exposure to another person’s suicide
• Previous suicide attempts
• Childhood abuse, neglect, or trauma
• Discrimination

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Being able to identify potential warning signs can be crucial in preventing suicide. While not everyone will exhibit these signs, common indicators include:

• Increases in verbal cues like, “I can’t go on,” “I’m a burden to everyone,” or, “I wish I were dead”
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Isolation from friends and family
• Drastic mood swings
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Aggressive behavior
• Increases in substance use or other reckless behaviors

How to Have a Supportive Conversation with Someone at Risk

If you suspect someone may be at risk of suicide, your support can be instrumental in their safety and recovery:

• Start the Conversation: Approach the individual with empathy and concern. Express your observations and feelings without judgment, and ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide. It’s a common misconception that talking about suicide can increase the risk; in reality, it can provide a crucial opportunity for intervention.
• Listen Actively: Give them space to express their thoughts and feelings. Listening without offering immediate solutions or judgments can help them feel understood and valued.
• Encourage Professional Help: Support them in seeking help from mental health professionals. Offer to assist in finding a therapist, counselor, or doctor, and help them navigate the process of getting support.
• Ensure Immediate Safety: If the risk is imminent, do not leave the person alone. Remove any potential means of self-harm, such as weapons or medications, and seek immediate assistance from emergency services or crisis hotlines.
• Follow Up: Continue to offer support and check in regularly. Recovery and prevention are ongoing processes, and consistent care and connection can make a significant difference.

How to Create a Supportive Environment

Prevention efforts extend beyond individual interactions and involve broader community and societal initiatives:

• Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention helps to reduce stigma and promote understanding. Schools, workplaces, and communities should provide education on recognizing warning signs and offering support.
• Access to Resources: Ensure that mental health resources, including counseling services and crisis hotlines, are accessible and well-promoted. Resources like the 24-hour National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which can be texted or called (988).
• Support for Survivors: Provide support for those affected by suicide, including families and friends. Grief and trauma following a loss can be profound, and access to counseling and support groups can aid in their healing process.
• Reduce Stigma: Work to break down the barriers of stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, fostering an environment where individuals feel safe seeking help.

Suicide prevention is a collective responsibility that involves understanding, compassion, and action. By recognizing the risk factors and warning signs, offering support, and advocating for broader mental health initiatives, we can work together to prevent suicides. Every conversation, every intervention, and every act of support contributes to a world where individuals facing mental health challenges can find hope, help, and healing.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Optimum Joy.