As many of you know, September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. As someone who has experienced loss to suicide and worked in the field with people who have attempted suicide or been impacted by suicide in some way, I think it is extremely important to bring awareness.
Below is an excerpt from an article I wrote that was published in Rowhome Magazine last year but it is still relevant.
“From the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website: There’s no single cause for suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. Yet it’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions go on to engage in life.
Risk Factors That May Increase the Chances of Suicide
- Severe mental health conditions
- Previous attempts
- Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs
- Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment
- Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss
- Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide
Warning signs
If a person talks about:
- Killing themselves
- Feeling hopeless
- Having no reason to live
- Being a burden to others
- Feeling trapped
- Unbearable pain
Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
- Withdrawing from activities
- Isolating from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
- Giving away prized possessions
- Aggression
- Fatigue
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest
- Irritability
- Humiliation/Shame
- Agitation/Anger
- Relief/Sudden Improvement
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call 911, call or text the national suicide and crisis hotline at 988, or call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1.800.273.8255 and press 1, or text TALK to 741741.“