Every year on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day is commemorated. The World Health Organization supports the event, which is hosted by the International Associate for Suicide Prevention (IASP). This day symbolizes a worldwide effort to raise awareness about suicide prevention and reflects the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the growing rate of suicide.
This year’s theme is “creating hope through action.” This theme is meant to inspire all of us to be accountable for our actions and understand that every action, big or small, may bring hope to those struggling. By increasing access to healthcare, facilitating open discussions about mental health, and spreading information about mental health we can drastically reduce the rate of suicide around the world. Through action, we can all make a difference to someone in their darkest moments.
Statistics
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US across all ages.
- Every day, approximately 130 Americans die by suicide.
- The rate of suicide is highest in middle-aged white men.
- The rate of suicide is highest among Whites, American Indians, and Alaskan Natives.
Risk Factors
While none of the following mean someone is considering suicide, below are several characteristics (directly from the Suicide Prevention Lifeline) that make it more likely someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. None of these predict a suicide attempt but are important to be aware of.
- Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and some personality disorders
- 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
- Loss of relationship(s)
- Easy access to lethal means
- Local clusters of suicide
- Lack of social support and sense of isolation
- Stigma associated with asking for help
- Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
- Exposure to others who have died by suicide (either in person or via the media and internet)
Warning Signs
- Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like buying a gun or searching online
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to other
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings
What You Can Do
If someone in your life is struggling with suicide ideation, it’s important to know what to do. First and foremost, understand that someone opening up is a positive thing. By listening, you provide an opportunity for them to talk about what they’re going through.
Below are more tips from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on how to have an open, honest conversation on mental health and how to best provide help for those that come to you.
- Reassure them that you hear what they’re saying and are taking them seriously.
- Show your support.
- Encourage them to continue talking and really listen to what they’re saying.
- Ask them about changes in their life and how they’re coping.
- If you suspect they’re thinking about suicide, be direct.
- It’s important to be direct and not ask in a way that sounds like you’re passing judgment.
- Research has proven that asking about suicide will not put the idea in their head or push them into action.
- By asking directly, you have the opportunity to keep an open line of communication with that person.
- Follow the other person’s lead and know when to take a break.
- Offer to help them connect with a mental health professional who can help.
- If they refuse, don’t push too hard. They may not be ready to ask for help yet.
These can be emotionally draining, scary, and hard conversations to have. Staying calm and knowing when to take a break is incredibly important for you and the other person.
Suicide prevention falls on all of us. Knowing the risk factors, warning signs, and what to say in a conversation where someone tells you they’ve been struggling are some of the best ways we can all help prevent suicide.
If you’re struggling, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor from the Crisis Text Line.
For more information, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s website at the link above or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention here: https://afsp.org/.
