Suicide: Know the Signs and What To Do

Know the Signs and Symptoms of Suicidal Ideation

Research on suicidal ideation and behavior shows we must do a better job of connecting people to help. This starts with understanding what suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior look like.

So, who needs help?

First, the vast majority of people who attempt or die by suicide have given warning signs about their intentions. They are also often clear in their attempts to access help.

Anyone who believes that a friend or family member is considering suicide must help as soon as possible.

It can make a big difference to reach out and let someone know you are there. It is also possible to prevent suicide by being supportive and helping them to receive care.

A major warning sign is when someone talks about harming themselves or dying by suicide. For example, some people may write notes that mention dying. Other people may joke that they are planning to take their own lives. Some people may even buy weapons and drugs with the express purpose of taking their lives.

Other warning signs that are slightly less common, but are no less important, include:

• Having a preoccupation with death, almost to the point of fascination
• Saying goodbye in unusual ways, as if one will never see family or friends again
• Withdrawing from family members and friends completely
• Engaging in self-destructive behavior, such as reckless driving, taking unnecessary risks, and having unsafe sex (to a greater degree than before)
• Statements of self-hatred or self-loathing
• Getting affairs in order, such as making a will or giving away prized possessions
• Sudden calmness after being distressed in the past

These are a few of the most common warning signs. If you notice anyone with these symptoms, help them seek the care of a mental health professional immediately.

Understanding the Risk Factors of Suicidal Behavior

It is possible to identify people who are at greater risk of attempting suicide, with some of the most important risk factors being:

Mental Health Issues

People who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder are at a greater risk of dying by suicide. For example, people who have depression or anxiety are more likely to have suicidal thoughts, attempt suicide, and die by suicide.

History of Abuse

People who experienced abuse in the past, or who are currently experiencing abuse, are at a greater risk of suicidal behavior. This includes emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.

Family History of Suicide

People who have a family history of mental health issues are at a greater risk of developing these conditions themselves. This includes suicidal behavior. Those who have family members who attempted or died by suicide are at a greater risk of attempting or dying by suicide themselves.

Substance Use Disorders

Substance addiction and other mental health issues often go hand in hand. People with a history of substance misuse are also at a greater risk of suicide.

The Legal System

People who are involved in the legal system, particularly those who are incarcerated, are at a greater risk of attempting suicide.

Marginalized Communities

Members of marginalized communities are also at a greater risk of attempting and dying by suicide. For example, those of Native American descent and members of the LGBTQ+ community are at an increased risk of suicidal behavior.

Armed Forces

Members of the armed forces, including veterans, are at a greater risk of suicide. Factors include exposure to combat leading to PTSD, difficulties adjusting to civilian life, and strained relationships with family members and friends.

Bereavement

People who have recently lost a loved one are also at a greater risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. People can become overwhelmed with grief in a short amount of time, leading to unhealthy ways of coping.

Chronic Medical Conditions

People of all ages who have been diagnosed with chronic medical conditions are at a greater risk of attempting suicide.

Prior History of Suicide Attempts

People who have attempted suicide in the past are at a greater risk of attempting suicide again. Unfortunately, some people who died by suicide have tried and failed several times in the past. Anyone who has attempted suicide deserves access to immediate medical assistance.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it shines a light on some of the many risk factors that play a role in suicidal behavior. It is critical to identify people who are at a higher risk of attempting and dying by suicide. That way, they can receive the help they deserve.

So How Do We Prevent Suicide?

If someone is showing signs that they may be considering suicide, what is the next step? Often people are unsure if they should tell someone they are worried about them.

Many people are afraid to bring up suicide because they think it is awkward. They also do not want to put the idea in someone’s head.

While it may feel uncomfortable, it is very important to discuss suicide openly and without judgment.

The best way to find out if someone is thinking about attempting suicide is simple: ask. Remember that showing someone you care may help them openly express their feelings of loneliness or hopelessness.

Certain phrases can help start a conversation about suicide. Some examples include:

• I’ve been concerned about you lately. Is it okay if we talk about this?
• I wanted to check in with you. It seems you haven’t been yourself lately. You don’t seem to enjoy activities you previously enjoyed. Is it okay to talk about that?
• I have noticed a bit of a personality shift in you recently. Is it okay if I ask you about it?
• I understand you have been feeling alone recently. Know that whatever you are experiencing, you do not have to go through it alone. I am here for you. Is there something I can do to help?
• I know it is hard to believe this now, but it will get better. Things will change. What is something you are looking forward to?
• Even if you feel like giving up, you do not have to. Remember that you can reach out to me for a helping hand. Is there something I can help you with?

Fact: There is no singular “best” way to help. The most important thing you can do is just to ask how someone is feeling or if they are thinking about hurting themselves.

If people are more comfortable talking about suicide, it is possible for them to get the help they need.

Dispelling Myths About Suicide

Though there has been progress around encouraging people to openly discuss suicide, there is still a lot of work to be done. Some of the most common misconceptions that surround suicide include:

Myth: People Talk About Suicide but They Likely Won’t Act on It

If someone is talking about suicide, it is a sign that they potentially need help. You should use this as an opportunity to ask them how they are feeling and ensure that they are safe.

Myth: People Who Die by Suicide Must Be Crazy

First, there are some people who accidentally take their own lives. Second, not everyone who dies by suicide has a diagnosed mental health condition.

People take their lives for many reasons, including because they are overcome with grief, are in a state of despair, are experiencing intense emotional pain, or are struggling with an undiagnosed mental health disorder. Mental health conditions are just one of many factors that can contribute to a person’s mental state during these difficult moments.

Myth: People End Their Lives Because They Do Not Want To Seek Help

The overwhelming majority of people who die by suicide seek help before attempting or completing this action. More than half of all victims of suicide sought medical care within 30 days prior to their death, and over 90% sought medical care within the year leading up to their death.

Myth: We Shouldn’t Talk About Suicide Because We Will Put the Idea Into People’s Heads

Talking about suicide doesn’t make people more likely to take their lives. The reverse is true. By talking honestly about issues that lead to suicide, it is possible to convince people to get the help they need.

Changing Our Current Thinking About Suicide

To reduce suicide rates, it is important to change the way we talk about those affected by suicide.

Sadly, there is a stigma related to suicide, and the people impacted by this stigma include friends and family of those who have died as well as those who have survived a suicide attempt. The causes of this type of stigma often include misunderstanding, fear, and ignorance.

Society can view those who attempt or die by suicide as “not normal” and therefore apply this view onto the survivors. Avoidance, shaming, stereotyping, and distrust toward those affected by suicide only help to reinforce the idea that they are different, even though suicide can affect any family at any time.

So what can be done to dispel stigma? The following are some of the ways we can reduce the stigma surrounding suicide:

1. Inform Everyone That Suicide Is Complex

It is usually caused by multiple factors. There is often no single cause of suicide.

2. Be Aware That People With Suicidal Thoughts Don’t Always Go On To Take Their Lives

Many people do not realize just how common suicidal ideation is. They are only aware of instances when someone has died by suicide.

3. Let Everyone Know Support Is Available

If people understand that mental health resources exist, the stigma surrounding suicide and suicidal ideation will begin to fade.

4. Be Honest and Upfront About the Grieving Process for People Who Died by Suicide

It’s important that people understand the severe impacts of suicide loss on survivors, including dealing with a sudden loss and the questions that are often left unanswered.

5. Use Nonjudgmental Language When Discussing Suicide

If we change the language we use to discuss suicide, we can also shift thoughts about suicidal behavior.