Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US for all ages. The causes can vary, but oftentimes, mental illness plays a big part in it. This translates into:
- Approximately 14 per 100,000 people who die by suicide
- 45,000 deaths per year
- One death every 12 minutes
- One attempt every 31 seconds
- 25 attempts for every one death by suicide
Although these numbers may make suicide seem common, it is still a rare event. Suicidal thoughts or behaviors are more common than suicide deaths and are signs of extreme distress. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are not harmless bids for attention and should not be ignored. Most suicidal individuals desperately want to live; they are just unable to see alternatives to their problems. Most suicidal individuals give definite warnings of their suicidal intentions, but others are either unaware of the significance of these warnings or do not know how to respond to them. The following are some of the signs you might notice in yourself or a friend that may be reason for concern:
- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill oneself
- Making a plan or looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online
- Buying a gun, or stockpiling pills
- Feeling empty, hopeless, or feeling like there is no reason to live
- Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing from family or friends or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
- Saying good-bye to loved ones, putting affairs in order.
If you are concerned, go with your instincts and seek professional help. Immediate action is very important. Here are a few resources:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), confidential help 24-hours-a-day. You also can visit the Lifeline’s website at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1
- Crisis Text Line: text START to 741-741
- HealthReach, information available in multiple languages: www.healthreach.nlm.nih.gov/searchindex/Suicide
- Help for Mental Illnesses: National Institute of Mental Health web page www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp
- Treatment Referral Routing Service: 1-800-662-HELP (4357), funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
We can all play a part suicide prevention. Share this information, get comfortable with having this conversation. Make this commonplace, so that those suffering know they don’t have to suffer alone.
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealth #MentalWellness #YouAreNotAlone
