Throughout the course of our lives, many of us will experience caring for someone who struggles with thoughts of suicide or who attempts suicide. Perhaps we experience those thoughts and actions ourselves. Some of us have loved ones who die by suicide and understand firsthand the complicated emotions of such a loss. Every 11 minutes, someone dies by suicide in the United States (SAMHSA, 2024). Suicide affects people of all ages and backgrounds. While more women attempt suicide, more men die by suicide. At increased risk are transgender adults and lesbian, gay and bisexual youth (NAMI, 2024).
Suicide Prevention Month draws attention to this crisis, and asks how we, as parents, friends, siblings, partners, colleagues, and providers, can be actively aware of what increases chances of suicide. Risk factors include past or present trauma, depression, mood disorders, substance use, or despondency about financial, personal, or professional challenges. Given the increasing difficulties many Americans face in providing for themselves and their families, and the limited resources available to pay for mental health care—much less finding that care—many people manage their chronic feelings of suicidality alone. Warning signs someone may be considering suicide include isolating, impulsive or aggressive behaviors, giving possessions away, heightened mood swings, and increased consumption of alcohol and/or drugs (NAMI, 2024).
The good news? There is immediate help available. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a confidential phone and text-based crisis line available 24/7 for people experiencing a mental health crisis, and for people seeking help for others. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has
a 988 Videophone for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and also offers specific resources for Veterans, youth, LGBTQI+, individuals with neurodivergence, attempt survivors and loss survivors, among other populations (SAMHSA, 2024). In support of Suicide Prevention Month, the National Alliance for Mental Illness has a toolkit designed to provide support and education. Check out NAMI’s toolkit for Suicide Prevention Month 2024 for free resources (NAMI, 2024).
How can we establish trust and approach people we know who may be struggling, in ways that convey respect and concern? For friends and family members who are worried about a loved one’s wellbeing, there are specific ways to help. Ask if they are struggling. Be present and listen with empathy and make sure their living environment is safe. Assist them in connecting with mental health services, either through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or by calling 911.
Importantly, be sure to check in over time, even if it appears the crisis has passed (NIMH, 2024).
For clinicians, the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality, or CAMS, approaches thoughts of suicide with the belief the client is an expert on themselves. Using the Suicide Status Form, clients are invited to openly discuss the issues in their lives that may be contributing to the belief that suicide is an option. By addressing feelings of hopelessness, providers and clients can often craft an answer to the Miracle Question: What in your life would have to change in order for suicide to no longer be an option? (Carlat, 2024; Jobes, 2023).
No matter our experiences with suicide, September presents the chance to strengthen our knowledge about the risks, warning signs, and ways to help our families, communities, and colleagues during times of crisis. If you’re concerned about someone, it only takes a moment to check in, and one question may end up changing the course of someone’s life for the better.
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