By: Jennifer Dempsey, Prevention Specialist, PASS
September is National Suicide Awareness Month. In 2018, 1,836 Ohioans died by suicide and in 2019 suicide was the second leading cause of death in Ohio residents aged 10-34. These statistics prove how important it is to be educated about the characteristics and warning signs of suicide.
So many people are reached by the hands of suicide, but yet it’s not something we talk about with each other very much. Even though we have made progress with reducing the stigma of mental health, we still have a long way to go.
People who die by suicide don’t really want to die, but they feel like they can’t handle whatever is going on in their lives. It’s important to know the warning signs of suicide and to be willing to have those tough conversations with our friends and family members.
When someone dies by suicide, most people around them are in shock because they didn’t realize the person was feeling that way. While some people are very good at hiding their emotions, chances are they did show signs of being at risk for suicide and those around them didn’t realize it.
Characteristics that make it more likely for someone to consider or attempt suicide are called risk factors. Not everyone who encounters situations like this are at risk, but it is always something to be aware of. Some risk factors associated with suicide include:
• Substance use disorders or alcohol use
• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
• History of abuse or trauma
• Previous suicide attempts
• Loss of employment or financial loss
• Loss of relationships
• Access to lethal means (firearms or prescription medications)
• Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
• Inability to ask for mental health help due to stigma or beliefs
• Major physical illness or injury
• Lack of access to mental health or substance abuse care
• Loss of someone close to them
These characteristics can affect how someone behaves and they can show warning signs of suicide. Especially be on the lookout if these behaviors are new, have increased in severity or are linked to a characteristic mentioned previously. Warning signs include:
• Talking about wanting to hurt themselves or wanting to die
• Trying to access lethal means such as purchasing a firearm
• Talking about having no reason to live or feeling hopeless
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Changing of sleeping patterns; sleeping more or less than normal
• Engaging in reckless behavior
• Acting anxious or agitated
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Giving away prized possessions
• Not doing activities they previously enjoyed
• Inability to concentrate
• Change in eating habits: weight gain or weight loss
• Sudden improvement after a period of sadness
If you notice any of these characteristics or warnings, it’s important to have a conversation with the person.
First, show that you care about the person. Tell them that you have noticed changes in their behavior and that you are worried about their wellbeing.
Secondly, ask them about suicide. It’s important to be direct when you ask. Ask them, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” or “Are you thinking about suicide?” I know that it’s very hard to ask questions like that, but it’s very important to get straight to the point. Before you have this conversation with someone, you can practice saying the question out loud to make it easier to say.
Lastly, assist the person in getting help if they express thoughts of suicide. Stay with them until they find a professional to talk with. Ask them if it’s alright if you sit with them while they talk with someone on the phone or offer to drive them to a hospital or clinic that can help. After the crisis, please remember to follow up with them to see how things are going and to offer further support.
A great resource to direct someone to is the 24-hour crisis line. Anyone who is struggling can call 1-800-456-HOPE (4673) and someone will be able to help them. They can also text 4HOPE to 741-741 and be connected with resources.
It’s important to look out for those around us. So many people struggle with mental health issues or are down-trodden from life, but they put on a happy face for the world to see. It’s okay to need help and it’s okay to ask for help.
If you see characteristics or warning signs of suicide in someone, please talk with them and assist them with getting the help they need. Suicide is preventable if people are aware of others around them and are willing to have those tough conversations with them. Every life matters and is valuable.
