Notes on Suicide

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You may be struggling with wanting to understand WHY this happened. Know that you may never fully understand your person’s state of mind or the factors that led to their death. You may never have a satisfactory explanation. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Mortality 2018-2021 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2023. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 2018-2021, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd-icd10-expanded.html on Jan 11, 2023 Encourage the person to go to the emergency room or to a crisis mental health facility. If you can, offer to go with them so they feel less alone. Suicide prevention: Risk and protective factors. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/factors/index.html. Accessed April 14, 2023. Schreiber J, et al. Suicidal ideation and behavior in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 14, 2023.

Many think of depression as a less serious mental health issue than something like schizophrenia. Yet, of all conditions, it is most often linked to suicide. There is hope. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) offers a basic primer on the benefits of talking about suicide. Talk Saves Lives organizes brief presentations in communities across the nation to help people recognize the warning signs of suicide and learn how it can be prevented. Reporting on Suicide: The Contagion Effect Warning signs aren't always obvious, and they may vary from person to person. Some people make their intentions clear, while others keep suicidal thoughts and feelings secret. When to see a doctorIt can also help to tell family members and friends about the warning signs so they can know when you may need help. Eliminate access to lethal methods of suicide

Ingestion of pesticide, hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally. You can’t see what a person is feeling on the inside, so it isn’t always easy to identify when someone is having suicidal thoughts. However, some outward warning signs that a person may be contemplating suicide include: If talk therapy isn’t enough to successfully lower risk, medication may be prescribed to ease symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. Treating these symptoms can help reduce or eliminate suicidal thoughts. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), if you notice someone doing any of the following, they should get care immediately:

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Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of someone’s suicidal thoughts and behavior. In many cases, though, treatment consists of talk therapy and medication. Talk therapy Suicidal thoughts have many causes. Most often, suicidal thoughts are the result of feeling like you can't cope when you're faced with what seems to be an overwhelming life situation. If you don't have hope for the future, you may mistakenly think suicide is a solution. You may experience a sort of tunnel vision, where in the middle of a crisis you believe suicide is the only way out. Offer to assist the person take steps to get help and support. You can research treatment options. Offer to make phone calls and review insurance benefit information. You also can offer to go with the person to an appointment. Suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide take an emotional toll. For instance, you may be so consumed by suicidal thoughts that you can't function in your daily life. And while many attempted suicides are impulsive acts during a moment of crisis, they can leave you with permanent serious or severe injuries, such as organ failure or brain damage.

If you’re a U.S. veteran or service member in crisis, call 988 and then press 1, or text 838255. Or chat using veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/. Self-harm—or the act of deliberately inflicting pain or damage to one's own body—is often conflated with suicidal ideation or intention. But though some people who self-harm do also have thoughts of suicide, that isn't universally the case. Self-harm can be dangerous in itself, however, and indicates some degree of mental unwellness, even absent any suicidal thoughts; thus, anyone who is self-harming, or has a loved one who is doing so, should seek help as soon as possible, regardless of the behavior's connection to suicidality. Try to find out if the person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs or may have taken an overdose. When a person shares their feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of suicide, try the following strategies: Avoid hyperbolic language such as “suicide epidemic.” Use specific language such as “rise in the suicide rate.”It can feel difficult to start these conversations. Samaritans have tips on how to be a good listener. Mind also has information on supporting someone who feels suicidal. Yet, talking to a suicidal person can be intimidating. Together Strong, an organization and app that helps veterans adjust to civilian life after deployment, suggests beginning the conversation directly, without judgment. Make an observation about recent behavior, or ask an open-ended question about how the person is feeling. Do risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving in a way that could cause harm. Increase in suicide in the United States, 1999-2014. (2016, April 22). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db241.htm We know that it is okay to talk about suicide, even with someone who might be thinking about it,” Reidenberg said. “Doing so does not make them want to die more or lead them to attempt suicide. In fact, talking with someone who is thinking about this can reduce their level of anxiety, distress, and hopelessness and encourage them to seek help. Research shows that if you’re worried about someone, talk to them. It’s okay to do that.”

Know that you WILL be ok. It’s going to hurt…a lot and for a long time. There’s no way around it and no way to avoid it. But know that you CAN get through this loss. Work with your healthcare provider or therapist to learn about the possible triggers for your suicidal feelings. This will help you recognize the signs of danger early on and decide what steps to take ahead of time. previous suicide attempts, or previous self-harm. Many people who self-harm don’t want to die. However, research shows that people who self-harm are at higher risk of attempting or dying by suicide Female 3: when it's too late. So if you think your kids acting different, if she seems like a different person, say something.

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Validate their feelings. It may be tempting to minimize their suffering in an attempt to get them to change their suicidal thoughts. Validation, however, can help your loved one feel understood. It encourages them to keep talking. Talking can save lives.