Suicide prevention involves strategies aimed at decreasing the risk of suicide. It encompasses various approaches, including raising awareness, providing support services, and addressing underlying factors contributing to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Suicide is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors, such as mental health conditions, substance abuse, and life circumstances.
Effective suicide prevention requires a comprehensive approach that addresses individual, community, and societal levels. It involves educating the public, reducing stigma associated with mental health issues, improving access to mental health services, and implementing evidence-based interventions. Suicide prevention efforts also focus on identifying and supporting individuals at risk, providing crisis intervention services, and promoting protective factors that can enhance resilience and coping mechanisms.
Collaboration among healthcare professionals, mental health experts, policymakers, and community organizations is crucial for developing and implementing successful suicide prevention strategies. Continuous research and evaluation of prevention programs are essential to ensure their effectiveness and adapt to evolving needs. Ultimately, suicide prevention aims to save lives, reduce suffering, and promote mental well-being within communities.
What are the warning signs of suicide?
Suicide is a severe public health issue. Knowing the warning signs of suicide and how to seek assistance can save lives. Some immediate warning signs that someone may attempt suicide include:
- Expressing a desire to die or end their life
- Feeling hopeless, empty, or having no purpose
- Expressing feelings of being trapped or having no solutions
- Experiencing unbearable emotional or physical pain
- Stating they are a burden to others
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Giving away possessions
- Saying goodbye to loved ones
- Putting affairs in order, such as making a will
- Engaging in risky behaviors that could lead to death
- Frequently discussing or thinking about death
Other serious warning signs that someone may be at risk of attempting suicide include:
- Exhibiting extreme mood swings
- Making a plan or seeking methods to end their life
- Expressing feelings of guilt or shame
- Increased substance use
- Acting anxious or agitated
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Expressing rage or seeking revenge
Suicidal thoughts or actions indicate extreme distress and should not be ignored. If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, seek help immediately, especially if the behavior is new or has increased recently.
What are the risk factors for suicide?
Suicide involves an individual intentionally harming themselves with the goal of ending their life, resulting in death. A suicide attempt occurs when someone harms themselves with the intent to die but survives. Certain terms like “committing suicide” or “failed suicide” should be avoided as they carry negative connotations.
Several factors can increase an individual’s risk for suicide. Mental health disorders such as depression or substance use disorders are major risk factors. Chronic pain, a personal history of suicide attempts, and a family history of mental illness, substance abuse, or suicide also elevate risk. Exposure to family violence, access to firearms in the home, and recent release from incarceration further contribute to suicide risk.
For individuals with suicidal thoughts, direct or indirect exposure to others’ suicidal behavior can be a risk factor. However, most people with risk factors will not attempt suicide, and it is difficult to predict who will act on suicidal thoughts.
Additional risk factors
Stressful life events like the loss of a loved one, legal troubles, or financial difficulties may contribute to suicide risk, especially when combined with other risk factors. Interpersonal stressors such as shame, harassment, bullying, discrimination, or relationship problems can also increase risk.
Family and friends are often the first to recognize warning signs of suicide and can take steps to help a loved one access mental health treatment. Identifying individuals at risk is crucial for prevention efforts.
What treatments and therapies are available for people at risk for suicide?
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. This lifeline provides confidential support 24 hours a day. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
Several effective treatments and therapies can help individuals at risk for suicide. Safety planning involves working with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan. This plan describes ways to limit access to lethal means and lists coping strategies and resources for crisis situations. Follow-up phone calls from healthcare providers have also been shown to reduce suicide risk by monitoring individuals and encouraging safe behaviors.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches individuals new ways to deal with stressful experiences. It helps recognize thought patterns and consider alternative actions when suicidal thoughts arise. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) reduces suicidal behavior in adolescents and adults with borderline personality disorder. DBT teaches skills to cope effectively with overwhelming situations.
Medication
Some individuals may benefit from medication. Healthcare providers can find the appropriate medication or combination. Clozapine, an antipsychotic medication, has FDA approval for reducing the risk of suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. It is important to follow medication instructions and report any side effects to a healthcare provider.
Collaborative Care
Collaborative care is a team-based approach involving a behavioral health care manager, primary care provider, and mental health specialists. This approach has been effective in treating depression and reducing suicidal thoughts.
How can I find help for mental health concerns?
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions, seek help immediately. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. This lifeline provides confidential support 24 hours a day to anyone in crisis. For life-threatening situations, call 911. You can also contact safety teams at social media companies if you are worried about a friend’s updates.
Suicide is a major public health issue. In 2021, it was the 11th leading cause of death overall, claiming over 48,100 lives. However, suicide is often preventable. Recognizing the warning signs and knowing how to get help can save lives.
Warning signs that someone may attempt suicide include talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or trapped, withdrawing from loved ones, giving away possessions, and saying goodbye. Other serious signs include mood swings, making a suicide plan, increased substance use, and changes in eating or sleeping habits.
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, take action immediately. Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide. Reduce access to lethal means. Listen without judgment. Connect them to the 988 Lifeline or a trusted individual. Follow up and stay connected. These steps can make a difference.
Several factors increase suicide risk, such as mental disorders, substance abuse, chronic pain, past attempts, and access to firearms. However, most people with risk factors do not attempt suicide. Those actively showing warning signs may be at higher risk and need immediate attention.
Family and friends are often the first to recognize warning signs. They can take the first step toward getting their loved one mental health treatment. Resources are available to find help, such as the NIMH website and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s treatment locator.
Effective interventions exist to help those at risk, including safety planning, follow-up calls, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and collaborative care. Some medications may also help reduce risk. Work with healthcare providers to find the right treatment plan.
Where can I learn about NIMH research on suicide?
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) supports research aimed at reducing suicide rates. This research helps improve the ability to identify individuals at risk for suicide and develop effective treatments. NIMH researchers study suicide prevention and intervention programs in various settings, including healthcare, community, school, and the justice system.
Some areas of NIMH research on suicide include:
Universal Screening
Studies have shown that a three-question screening tool can help emergency room personnel identify adults at risk for suicide. Screening all patients, regardless of the reason for their visit, doubled the number identified as being at risk.
Predicting Suicide Risk Using Electronic Health Records
NIMH has partnered with the VA and others to develop computer programs that can help predict suicide risk among veterans receiving VA healthcare. Other healthcare systems are also beginning to use data from electronic health records to identify people with suicide risk.
Effective Interventions
NIMH research has found several effective interventions for individuals at risk for suicide, including:
- Personalized safety planning to limit access to lethal means and list coping strategies
- Follow-up phone calls to encourage safe behaviors and seeking help
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help recognize thought patterns and consider alternative actions
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to reduce suicidal behavior in adolescents and adults with borderline personality disorder
- Medication, such as clozapine, for individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
- Collaborative care, a team-based approach to mental health care
For the latest information on NIMH’s research priorities and recent studies on suicide prevention, visit the NIMH website.
If you or someone you know is in crisis
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The Lifeline offers 24-hour, confidential support to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress. Call 911 in life-threatening situations.
Conclusion
Individuals experiencing mental health challenges can find assistance. Evidence-based care can teach healthy coping strategies. Seeking treatment at a reputable facility like Crest Mental Health is the initial step towards improved well-being. Recovery may be arduous, but requesting support is acceptable. With dedicated professionals and personalized plans, individuals can develop skills for long-term mental wellness.