Every September, we recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to focus on raising awareness of this stigmatized and taboo topic. If we work together, we can shift public perception, spread life-saving information, and spread hope. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that individuals have access to the needed resources to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

With these thoughts in mind, in today’s blog post, I want to share five suicide prevention tips.

1. Be proactive and talk about it.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention encourages you to directly ask loved ones, “Have you ever felt so bad that you have had thoughts of suicide?” Many people fear that the question will put that thought in someone’s head. However, a scientific review in 2014 revealed the opposite. There was no significant increase in suicidal ideation among participants who were asked about suicide. “Our findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may, in fact, reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation,” explained the lead researcher, “and may lead to improvements in mental health in treatment-seeking populations.”

Still, this conversation can be scary. Reach out to a mental health professional if you need help navigating the talk and next steps. 

2. Look out for the warning signs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are suicide warning signs to consider, including: 

• Being isolated

• Increased anxiety

• Feelings trapped or in immense pain

• Substance use

• Feeling like a burden

• Looking for or asking about access to lethal means

• Increased anger

• Intense mood swings

• Changes in sleep behavior, either too little or too much

• Talking or posting about wanting to die

• Making plans for suicide

3. Recognize what suicidal ideation looks like. 

Statements about harming one’s self or having thoughts about death should never be taken lightly. Listen for sentences like “I should just kill myself”; “I have no reason to live”; “Everyone would be better off without me”; and “I can’t live like this anymore.”

4. Understand the extent of their impulsivity.

Did you know that the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain that is responsible for decision-making — isn’t fully developed until the ages of 25 to 30? Young people, then, are particularly impulsive, which often leads to suicidal behavior. Supporting this idea, a 2001 study with participants ages 13 to 34 who had attempted suicide found that 50 percent of them spent only 5 to 19 minutes in deliberation before their attempt. 

5. Have a crisis plan in place. 

If your loved one is suicidal or shows symptoms of a looming mental health crisis, it’s important to have a plan in place as well as access to helpful resources. The phone numbers below offer a good starting place.

• Call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply dialing 988.

• Text HOME to 741741. Younger people may prefer to text with someone about their emotional distress. Note that you do not have to be suicidal to use this number.

• Know the nearby crisis centers and emergency rooms. Ensure that the addresses and phone numbers are in a visible place.

Discover the possibility of living a meaningful life. Discover the possibility of recovery. Reach out to Dr. Benaaz Russell, PsyD, CEDS-S, today to schedule an appointment!