Written by: Sudhakar Selvaraj, MD, PhD
Suicide ranks tenth as the cause of death, attributing nearly 45,000 deaths annually in the United States per Center for Disease Control (CDC) (1, 2). Within the United States, during the year 2016, an estimated 9.8 million adults thought about suicide, 2.8 million made a suicide plan and 1.3 attempted suicide (3). The public health importance of suicide is undeniable, considering the human and economic cost of suicidal behavior (suicide ideation, suicide attempt, and suicide) in individuals, families, communities, and society. Accurate determination of underlying factors among individuals who died by suicide remains a clinical and health policy priority since the identification and treatment of individuals at risk for suicide is the only effective strategy in preventing suicides. In this article, I summarized a brief note on practical steps to prevent suicide.
The most common warning signs of suicide are;
It is important to remember that the warning signs vary between people based on their personality, coping styles and social activities. However, not all people present with these signs. Any mention of unbearable emotional pain, guilt, talks of failure, mood swings and agitation in anyone are warning signs for someone who may need help.
Steps should a member family or friend do if a loved one is showing all the warning signs and is calling for help through their behavior.
Ask the concerned family member, relative or friend if they are thinking about suicide.
Things to avoid saying:
Steps dealing with the stigma present in the rhetoric of suicide in everyday conversations:
How to reach for help if having thoughts or ideas of suicide?
If you need help for yourself or someone else, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255
Are there any specific groups of people who are more at risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts?
Anyone with a previous history of suicidal attempts, mental health or substance or alcohol misuse and chronic medical problems are particularly at risk. Also, young people from minority communities and LGBTQ youths are at high risk of suicide.
Specific help for LGBTQ – “call a trained counselor at The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ youth, friends and family members) on 1 866 488 7386 or text START to 678678” http://www.thetrevorproject.org
COVID-19 Situation Specific
Given our current COVID-19 situation, how to support someone with suicidal ideation remotely?
COVID-19 is an unprecedented and very stressful situation for most of us. The situation can be even more difficult for someone who vulnerable due to mental illness or health problems.
Advice for individuals who feel immense stress during these times specifically?
Resources for someone experiencing a unfortunate loss of a loved one due to suicide.
Each suicide severely affects family members, friends and community for the long term and puts survivors at higher risk for physical and mental health problems. Survivors of suicide victims suffer alone and often do not seek mental health care.
Disclosure: Dr. Sudhakar Selvaraj has received COVID-19 Emergency Response for Suicide Prevention from SAMHSA (Grant no: 1 H79 FG000470-01). He is also Co-Principal Investigator, NIMH R21 grant (1R21MH119441 – 01A1). UTHealth faculty supplement funds also support his research.
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