suicide prevention month | part 2

Nearly half of the people who die by suicide had a known mental health condition. Some additional risk factors include family history of suicide, substance abuse, intoxication, access to firearms, a serious or chronic medical condition, a history of trauma or abuse, prolonged stress, or a recent tragedy or personal loss. Men are also 4 times more likely to die by suicide.

If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988 immediately. There’s also other things you can do to keep yourself safe, including building a strong support system of family, friends, co-workers and health professionals; meeting with a mental health therapist; removing access to things that could hurt you like weapons, alcohol or pills; and reducing your stress levels through exercise, doing things you enjoy, journaling, and spending times with those you like to be around.

We can all help prevent suicide.

To help your loved ones, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline notes there are simple things you can do.

Ask the person about it. “Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.”

Just be there for your friend or family member. “Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.”

Keep your loved one safe. “A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.”

Help your loved one stay connected to support resources and people who care about them. “Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.”

Follow-up regularly with your loved one. “Studies have also shown that brief, low cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.”