In my previous post, Suicide Prevention Month, we spoke about the three categories of our life that can feed into suicidal thoughts (biology, external influences, and personal mental health). These categories, along with risk factors and warning signs, could help you better understand someone who is suicidal. Again, the best way to prevent suicide is to recognize the signs early and support that person in any way that you can.
Under the umbrella of “external influences” are risk factors that contribute to suicide. “Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they’re important to be aware of” (Suicide Prevention Lifeline). Risk factors are the push that keeps pushing people towards taking their own life. They come in many forms and should be observed with a watchful eye.
From the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website
Know the Risk Factors
- Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
- Alcohol and other substance use disorders
- Hopelessness
- Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
- History of trauma or abuse
- Major physical illnesses
- Previous suicide attempt(s)
- Family history of suicide
- Job or financial loss
- Loss of relationship(s)
- Easy access to lethal means
- Local clusters of suicide
- Lack of social support and sense of isolation
- Stigma associated with asking for help
- Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
- Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)
These risk factors are just what they are–a risk. Without proper supervision and care, people can fall down the suicidal rabbit hole faster than we would care to imagine. Some risk factors are easy to spot, but others require more attention and investigation. If you believe someone is following the path of a risk factor, reach out to them. Ask them questions, especially about how they feel. Even though not everyone will enjoy the constant interrogation, it still shows that you care about them. Interrogation shows that you are invested and interested in their life (just know when to back off and seek professional help).
Risk factors are a great way to identify if someone is not acting like his/her self. If someone seems a “little off” to you, unfocused, somewhere else (not in the present moment), then you may have to shift your gaze towards warning signs. These warning signs are the “next level” to someone becoming suicidal and should be treated as red flags. At this point, it almost becomes obvious that someone may take their own life.
From the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Website
Know the Warning Signs
Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about 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 or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings
The warnings signs on their own are not a good enough excuse for someone to be suicidal. You must look at the person’s life as a whole to be able to determine if they are exhibiting suicidal tendencies. Someone may decide to buy a gun as a means of protection, which happens every day. If someone buys a gun after they just vented to you about how hard being alive can be (and they have been talking about it for weeks), then it may be time to investigate.
Suicide is never easy to talk about, and that is because society simply does not enjoy talking about it. It makes sense why we avoid talking about something so scary, but what does not make sense is the stigma behind it. As you just read, suicide happens for a myriad of reasons. Lack of education and communication about suicide could actually lead to more suicides simply because no one knew how to cope, ask for help, or felt comfortable discussing how they felt. Suicide will always be scary, but losing more people over society’s stigma about suicide is even scarier.
This blog post is meant to be the facts behind suicide, not so much an opinion about it. Facts are undeniable truths, so I felt it necessary to post this information from the Suicide Prevention Lifeline website. Their website has great information about suicide and how to prevent it, as well as the phone number to call if someone is suicidal. Below is the Lifeline phone number and information regarding new protocols.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline Information
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
We can all help prevent suicide. The 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. 1-800-273-8255
FCC Designates 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The FCC has designated 988 as the new nationwide number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to be completed by July 2022. In the meantime please continue to share 1-800-273-TALK (8255) with anyone wishing to connect to the Lifeline. 988 is NOT CURRENTLY ACTIVE nationally and may not connect callers to the Lifeline. LEARN
Aware,
E.
#SuicidePreventionMonth #SuicidePreventionLifeline #FactsAboutSuicide #RiskFactors #WarningSigns #Stigma #1-800-273-TALK (8255) #Help #SaveALife #MentalHealth
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