How to Prevent Suicide
Suicide rates have been increasing in our nation. I know it’s uncomfortable to talk about but prevention is key. I want to equip you and empower you to support the people in your life who may be going through this, including yourself. The key is to be non-judgmental, calm, and empathetic.
What are the Warning Signs of Suicide?
Social Isolation or Withdrawal ex. not hanging out with friends, family, or coming to social activities
Sudden change in mood or energy ex. from despair to calm or sudden happiness
Social Media posts hinting about themes of suicide or death
Giving away possessions or making a will
Writing goodbye letters or saying goodbye to loved ones as if for the last time
Passive vs. Active Suicidal Thoughts
Passive suicidal thoughts are when the emotional distress is so painful that you wish that somehow it would end, and maybe the only way it would end is if you are dead.
ex: “I wish I were dead” “This hurts so much I would rather be dead” “I just want it to stop”
Active suicidal thoughts are when you are thinking about the action of killing yourself. You may have tried it or have thought of a specific plan and the material needed to attempt suicide.
ex: “I really want to kill myself” “I am going to do it today”
What can you do if you have Passive Thoughts
Ask yourself some questions:
How often do you have these thoughts? What is going on in your routine right now to improve your mental health?
If you are not currently getting any support, are you open to getting support?
What is your plan to get help if your symptoms are getting worse?
Reach out to the people closest to you and let them know you have been having thoughts about suicide.
Seek out the suicide hotline or local mental health hotline to get options for help.
Seek out a support group, therapy, or an appointment with a medical professional to actively improve your mental health.
What you can do if you have Active Thoughts
Ask yourself some questions:
Have you attempted suicide in the past?
Do you have a plan on how to attempt suicide? Do you have the tools to follow the plan?
Do you have any dangerous items at home such as toxic chemicals, medicines, or firearms?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, seek out help by calling 988 immediately, or the local crisis hotline or suicide prevention hotline if you are located in a country outside of the US.
Drive yourself to the emergency room or stay with trusted friends and family who can help keep you safe until help arrives.
Common Myths About Suicide
Myth: If you use the words "suicide" or "kill yourself," you could worsen the situation.
Fact: Using the actual words rather than dancing around it helps to hold up the mirror and reflect back to them the reality of what they are thinking of doing. They are thinking of committing a violent act towards their bodies to the degree that they cannot recover from. Also have they been living in a hole? Otherwise, they have probably heard those words before so it's not going to be the first time.
Myth: They seem really happy lately!
Fact: One of the symptoms of imminent suicide is sudden improvement of mood. This may be due to a lightness they feel at the relief they are anticipating from death. (GMA article)
Myth: Committing suicide is a sign of weakness or failure.
Depression, anxiety, and thoughts about suicide are all part of mental illness. If you get cancer, it doesn't mean you are weak or you have failed somehow. In fact, those who endure chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and fight for their lives are seen as strong! In the same way, those who are experiencing mental illness are fighting for their lives.
Resources
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the US
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741-741
Connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.
National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Trained expert advocates are available 24/7 to provide confidential support to anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking resources and information. Help is available in Spanish and other languages.
National Sexual Assault Hotline – Call 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area that offers access to a range of free services. Crisis chat support is available at Online Hotline. Free help, 24/7.
The Trevor Project – Call 866-488-7386 or Text START to 678-678
Supporting LGBTQ young people during times of crisis by providing access to crisis counselors 24/7, 365 days a year. Crisis chat support is available at Crisis Chat.
Disclaimer
This is an educational post provided by Yuki Shida, LMFT. It is not meant to treat, diagnose, or triage individuals. Individuals seeking help must reach out to their care provider or their therapist to receive personalized services for their care. By reading this post, you are not under the care of Yuki Shida, LMFT.