Pay attention to suicide warning signs

By Mark Aulik

You see it in the news on a regular basis these days. A bullied teen takes their own life; a successful businessperson takes her life; a popular celebrity is found dead. Maybe it has impacted you directly or impacted one of your friends.

Pay attention to suicide warning signs

In 2022, almost 50,000 people died by suicide in the United States and an additional 1.6 million people attempted suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. September is Suicide Prevention Month, which makes right now a good time to brush up on warning signs for people who may be considering suicide.

Several factors may put a person at risk, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Family history of suicide
• Substance or alcohol abuse
• Access to firearms
• Serious medical illness
• History of trauma or abuse
• Ongoing stress
• Recent tragedy

Some of the warning signs to watch for include:

• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Aggressive behavior
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Dramatic mood swings
• Impulsive behavio

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides the following 5 action steps to help someone having thoughts of suicide.

Ask

Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.

Be there

Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.

Keep them safe

Studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.

Help them stay connected

Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.

Follow up

Studies have also shown that brief, low-cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.

There are a number of resources available to you and the people important to you:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org at any time
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): There are more than 700 NAMI state organizations and affiliates-Find Your Local NAMI | NAMI

(This material is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about this or any other subjects pertinent to your health.)

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