Things to know

by Elizabeth Bizzell, LMFT

Important Note: If you are expereinceing a crisis call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 or call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225.

How common is suicide in the United States?
According to the CDC, in 2022 over 49,000 people died by suicide and over 13.2 million people seriously thought about suicide, and 1.6 million people attempted suicide. These numbers have increased more than 37% since 2000.

Who is at risk for suicide?
Suicide impacts people of all ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic status. Some groups are at higher risk based on higher suicide rates, such as males and people over 85.

What are the early warning signs of suicide?
Often, when people are thinking about suicide, they may talk about wanting to die or about experiencing guilt or shame and being a burden on others. They feel empty, hopeless, trapped or as if they have no reason to live. They may be experiencing unbearable emotional or physical pain. Some behaviors include planning or researching ways to die, withdrawing from friends, giving away items, taking dangerous risks, eating or sleeping more or less, or using drugs and alcohol more often.

What are risk factors?
Risk factors can include previous suicide attempts, depression or other mental health or substance use disorders, chronic pain, family history, exposure to traumatic events, and the presence of guns or firearms in the home. When risk factors are present, stressful life events and relationship problems may also contribute to suicide risk.

What are protective factors?
Protective factors are things that protect people against suicide and can include individual, relational, and community factors. Effective coping skills, reasons for living, support from friends and family, feeling connected to others, availability of consistent and high-quality physical and behavioral healthcare, reduced access to lethal means, and cultural or religious connections are all examples of protective factors.

 

Things to say

How should we talk about suicide? I have heard we shouldn’t say someone “committed suicide.”
The phrase "committed suicide" is frowned on because it is from an era when suicide was considered a sin or a crime. Think about the times when we use the word "commit": "commit adultery" or "commit murder.” To those thinking of killing themselves, this contributes to the immense amount of shame associated with having these thoughts and feelings as well as the unwillingness to want to talk about it and, ultimately, to be able get help.

What should I say I notice a friend or loved one show some suicide warning signs?
Be direct. You could start with a simple sentence like, “you’ve said some things that worry me. Are you thinking of ending your life?” Or, “Are you thinking of suicide?”

Does asking someone if they feel suicidal put thoughts in their head?
Research has shown this to not be true and, in fact, has shown that asking someone if they are having thoughts of killing themselves is actually more likely to save a life.

What is the first thing I should ask if someone tells me they have been thinking of killing themselves?
Be direct, present, and listen without judgement during the conversation. Do not try to argue someone out of suicide. You can ask follow up questions like, “What are you feeling right now?”; “When did these feeling start?” You can ask, “I want to help. Is there anything you need right now?” If it is a crisis situation, do not leave the person alone. If you can be with them in the moment, see if another friend or family member can be with them.

Is there anything I shouldn’t say?
Avoid questions like, “You’re not thinking about suicide, are you?” Or, “You are not thinking about doing something stupid, are you?” Never dare them or imply that they should go ahead and make an attempt. You don’t want to say things like, “If you want to be selfish, then do it!” Or, “See if anyone cares.” It’s also important to not promise secrecy. Don’t say things like, “You’re secret is safe with me.” Or, “Don’t worry, I won’t say a word to anyone.” It’s more important to ensure their safety and get them help if needed. You could say something like, "I can’t keep this secret because I care about you. You need help and I’m here to help you get it.”

 

 

Things to do

What are some resources for someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts?
Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. 
Call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225
Both of these hotlines have a qualified, compassionate mental health professional ready to assist in any way possible.

What else can I do to help someone?
Two of the most effective ways to help someone in need is by providing a nonjudgmental listening ear and providing resources to help them obtain the help that they need. Staying physically near your loved one is another action that may "feel insignificant" but makes a substantial impact for your loved one's safety and overall well-being. 

I don’t feel suicidal, but I do feel depressed. Will therapy help me? 
Therapy is an excellent resource and tool to help combat depressive symptoms. Starting therapy does not automatically mean that your symptoms will "go away." Still, your therapist/counselor will work diligently with you on learning triggers, coping skills, and other ways to manage and decrease the severity of symptoms to increase your daily level of functioning and reduce your level of distress.

Will taking away a gun or other possible suicide plans really prevent suicide?
In a simple answer, yes. Removing immediate access to any way of means to harm oneself can help prevent suicide as it provides time to act immediately for a proactive plan to help your loved one. 

Why is social connection important in suicide prevention?
Social connection plays a crucial role in suicide prevention. Individuals who experience suicidal thoughts typically feel isolated and disconnected from their loved ones. For example, an individual who is struggling with suicide ideation may have thoughts that look like "My loved ones will be better off without me" or "No one will care that I am gone." Having open, nonjudgmental conversations focusing on your loved one's mental health can help combat those thoughts and show that they do matter and that they are not alone. 

 

If you are expereinceing a crisis please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 or call the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225.

---

• Categories:
• Mental Health

• Tags:

---