Suicide is an issue that affects families, friends, and communities across the globe. It’s hard to believe, but someone dies by suicide every 11 minutes in the United States. Still, despite the prevalence of suicide, it’s often a topic shrouded in silence and shame. Today, we hope to break that stigma by providing a guide on suicide prevention and support. Together, we hope to help more people choose life and bring down the numbers on this preventable death.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the warning signs of suicide, offer tips on how to help someone at risk, provide suicide prevention resources, and finally provide healing tips for those affected by suicide. Whether you’ve personally struggled with thoughts of suicide, know someone who has, or just want to be part of the solution, you’ll find help here.
Understanding the Warning Signs of Suicide
One of the most important ways you can help prevent suicide is by learning to recognize its signs. Not everyone who struggles with thoughts of suicide will feel expressing it with others, but they may still show telltale warning signs. Taking these signs seriously could save a life.
Here are a few signs to look out for in those you love:
- Withdrawing from social interactions
- Losing interest in hobbies or interests they once enjoyed
- Experiencing mood swings
- Giving away possessions
- Saying goodbye to loved ones
- Engaging in increased substance use or other dangerous activities
- Expressing feelings of calm after a deep depression
It’s also important to pay attention to verbal cues. Those struggling with thoughts of suicide may openly talk about death, saying things like, “I wish I weren’t here,” “No one would miss me,” or “There’s no way out.”
Recognizing these signs of suicide can help you intervene before it’s too late.
How to Support Someone at Risk
Maybe you’ve recognized signs of suicide in someone you love, but you don’t know how to offer support. While starting a conversation can feel intimidating, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few tips on how to best support someone at risk.
Start the Conversation
The first step in talking to someone you love about suicide is, well, talking to them. It can be as simple as asking them how they’re doing or if they’re feeling okay. Many people worry that bringing up the topic of suicide can push a person towards it, but this isn’t the case. In truth, it often brings relief, so feel free to directly ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Questions like this can open meaningful conversations.
Listen Without Judgement
If someone opens up to you about feelings of suicide, one of the most important things you can do is simply listen. Try not to offer solutions or quick fixes. Avoid minimizing their feelings and try to be empathic. Sometimes, knowing that someone cares is all it takes to prevent a suicide.
Offer Help
Often, the thought of reaching out for help is overwhelming to those struggling with thoughts of suicide. To combat this, offer to help the person find a counselor or support group. If someone is in immediate danger of suicide, call 911 or a suicide prevention hotline on their behalf.
Suicide Prevention Resources
If you’ve identified thoughts of suicide in someone you know, don’t hesitate to share suicide prevention resources. Here are a few resources to consider:
- 988: This 24/7 national hotline offers help to both those struggling with suicidal thoughts and concerned friends and family members.
- 911: This emergency hotline is available in the United States, Canada, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Jordan, Iraq, Mexico, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, and the Philippines.
- Global Crisis Hotlines: Check your local area to see what other hotlines exist. Samaritans in the U.K., Lifeline in Australia, and Crisis Services Canada are just a few examples of organizations that can offer support.
- Local Mental Health Support Groups: See if your community offers any local support groups for those struggling with their mental health.
- Online Support: Forums like 7 Cup or Reddit’s r/SuicideWatch provide peer-based communities where those struggling with their mental health can turn for help. Online therapy companies like BetterHelp or Talkspace can also help provide relief.
Healing for Those Impacted by Suicide
Experiencing the aftermath of a suicide can trigger a range of emotions—from guilt to anger, grief, and more. Remember that these feelings are normal and that no one should face them alone. Seeking professional help to process these feelings is a good idea, along with talking to friends and family.
Support groups can also be invaluable. Try registering for groups like Survivors of Suicide Loss (SOSL) or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) survivor support groups. These groups can offer a safe place where those experiencing the loss of suicide can share their feelings and cope together.
By reaching out for help from friends, family members, and professionals, you can avoid the dangers of isolation. Remember that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength.
The Bottom Line
Suicide is a preventable death. Remember that the future can always bring change, and where there is change, there is hope. Whether you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, you’ve made a difference today by learning about suicide prevention. We invite you to continue your journey by reaching out to someone you love today to share what you’ve learned.
Together, we can make a difference.
About the Author: Jen Watson works with Priority Dispatch and the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch to train 911 dispatchers in mental health interventions, as well as other emergencies. She is passionate about mental health and hopes to see the stigma around suicide end.
National Suicide Prevention Month
Photo by Karolina Kaboompics: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-comforting-her-worried-partner-6134922/
The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of www.rtor.org or its sponsor, Laurel House, Inc. The author and www.rtor.org have no affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.
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