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It is possible to prevent suicide – raising mental health awareness and ensuring every single individual knows they can get access to the support they need in the most difficult time in their life will help to save numerous lives. Suicide prevention has proven to be an effective instrument in reducing suicide rates – the more people know about support networks and resources available to them, the less likely it is they will opt for suicide when times get tough.
In this article we will try to understand how to prevent mental health and suicide, discuss what can be done in case of a suicide emergency, and emphasize the importance of professional mental health support when it comes to treatment of mental illnesses that lead to suicide.
Understanding Suicide Prevention
Suicide prevention refers to strategies and practices aimed at raising suicide awareness, teaching how to figure out if someone might be suicidal, and helping people who are on the verge of committing suicide. Suicide is a preventable issue yet most people ignore the symptoms of prolonged depression that causes suicide and do not know what to say to a person who shares their wishes to end their life. Crisis associations, information campaigns, and efforts of local and state authorities to put emphasis on national suicide prevention can help people who struggle to regain hope, self-confidence, and a belief in their ability to control their lives without the need to commit suicide.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Unfortunately, sometimes it is hard to notice a person is struggling unless they inform you about it themselves. Still, make sure you look for emotional, verbal, and behavioral cues that might indicate the person’s decision to end their life:
- Withdrawal from society and refusal to participate in events and gatherings they used to enjoy.
- Sleep troubles – being unable to sleep or trying to escape reality by sleeping too much.
- Self-destructive behaviors such as consuming too much alcohol or using drugs.
- Sudden changes in behavior, mood swings, irritability, and fatigue.
- Attempts to mend broken relationships, say the last goodbyes, and get rid of valuable possessions.
Major Risk Factors
There are certain circumstances that increase the likelihood of someone trying to take their life. If you know someone with chronic illnesses, mental health disorders they cannot cope with alone, victims of abuse, assault, or discrimination, or people who went through a distressing event yet chose not to seek psychological guidance after, you should be mindful of their mental health.
Mental Health Conditions and Life Stressors
Accumulated stress and the development of mental health disorders – from anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder – will cause a shift in the person’s mind. They may start thinking there is no reason to live, that they are a burden to people around them, and there is no other way out than suicide. Paying attention to people in your inner circle will help you minimize the risks of someone taking their life when their lives become too complicated.
Offering Support to Someone in Crisis
If someone you are close to has expressed suicidal ideations or may have attempted to commit suicide in the past, there are ways to be a source of support for this person:
| Advice | Description |
| Show Empathy and Compassion | Do not judge the person, do not tell them they are selfish or weak, and do not try to manipulate them into giving up on their plans. You must be authentic, open-minded, and kind as you are talking to someone with deep-seated emotional issues |
| Do Practical Things | Emotional support plays a major role in a person’s recovery but sometimes it is necessary to do more than that. Research local mental health centers, help the individual deal with problems that become too overwhelming for them, and assist them in terms of affairs and errands that might be too much for them to handle at the moment |
| Encourage the Person to Get Professional Help | Whether the person is accepting your help or not, you should tell them there is still hope and a possibility to turn things around with the assistance of therapists and psychiatrists – you can recommend a specific clinic or look for a mental health professional online |
What to Say – And What Not to Say
When someone is considering suicide, it is essential to choose the right words – they can make all the difference in such a challenging moment:
- Do not ask the person to change the way they speak – the words they say are up to them to choose. No matter how insulting or offensive it gets, their feelings are valid so let them express their emotions in the way they want.
- Avoid judgment and ask them how you can help them. Your mission is to be an active listener – ask questions and encourage the person to answer.
- Acknowledge the person’s feelings without bringing up your own experiences or comparing their situation to someone else’s.
- Do not speak about the painful consequences of their decision to end their life – even though their death will be a tragedy to people around them, they do not need to be reminded of this guilt.
What to Do in a Suicide Emergency
If a person is trying to commit suicide in your presence or you caught them in the act, remain calm and do not leave them alone. See what you can do to keep them away from danger, whether you are able to remove sharp objects or guns from the room where the individual is, talk them into stepping away from the window, or putting down the pills they want to take. Call 911 as soon as you can, make sure you tell the dispatcher where you are located, and wait for the arrival of emergency services as you keep the person in your sight – be prepared to physically restrain them if it is necessary.
Trusted Suicide Prevention Resources
Suicide prevention resources vary from anonymous hotlines to suicide prevention awareness programs and services developed by mental health facilities in different locations:
- Call 988 – this is a suicide and crisis lifeline for people who struggle or know someone who needs help.
- Text “TALK” to 741-741 – you can talk to a counselor trained to manage suicidal crises.
- Go to findtreatment.gov to find treatment programs and services available in your location – you can look for a facility nearby to sign up for the treatment you currently need.
Reach Out to Pacific Coast Mental Health
Suicidal ideations rarely disappear on their own, and a combination of therapy and medication remains the most effective way to address the emotional issues that make the person think suicide is the only solution available. If you ever struggled to the point of imagining yourself committing suicide or you know an individual who would benefit from professional guidance, make sure you get in touch with us – at Pacific Coast Mental Health we offer a safe and non-judgmental space to anyone who has ever thought about ending their life.
FAQs
What are the warning signs of suicide?
You can sometimes understand someone is considering suicide by analyzing their words and actions. If they are talking about being a burden to their loved ones, taking risks that may put their health and life in danger, struggling to eat and sleep well, and resorting to drugs and alcohol to cope with their sadness, it may indicate a presence of a mental illness and suicidal ideations.
How can I help someone struggling with suicidal thoughts?
Offer your support directly by asking the person what you can do to address their issues, be an active listener and validate the emotions of the struggling individual, connect them with local resources that work with suicidal people, and check up on the individual to ensure they are getting the help they need.
What should I say to someone who is suicidal?
Remember to speak honestly and create a supportive environment for the other person to feel safe and be able to talk candidly. Ask them the reasons behind their decision, allow them to speak without interrupting them or disregarding their emotions, reassure them that you are there for them to help them, and suggest looking for professional help together.
Where can I find suicide prevention resources?
There are suicide prevention resources available in any location – you can reach out to local urgent care centers, crisis services, psychiatric hospitals, and mental health facilities. You can also call a hotline or text a number to chat with a counselor – for instance, call or text 988 free of charge to get help when you or someone else is at risk of committing suicide.
What should I do in a suicide emergency?
In case the person is attempting suicide in front of you, see if you can stop them – talk to them, try to physically stop them, and do not leave them alone. You can call for help or text someone to get to your location quickly so that you de-escalate the situation together. Call 911 as soon as you can and do not stop talking to the person in danger – remind them of your presence and your willingness to be there for them no matter what.
