Suicide Prevention Awareness

Suicide is not an easy topic to talk about, but it’s an important one given the statistics and impact suicide has on families and communities. National Suicide Prevention Week is from September 10-16, 2023, and it’s a reminder to be aware and educate yourself on risk factors, warning signs, and resources to help. Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States with 48,183 individuals dying by suicide in 2021 according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The following chart highlights suicide risk factors and warning signs from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Risk factors are things that increase the chance that someone may try to take their own life, but these don’t guarantee that the individual is considering or will consider suicide.

Health Conditions

• Depression / anxiety
• Substance use issues
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Personality traits of aggression, mood changes, and poor relationships
• Serious or chronic physical health issues
• Traumatic brain injury

Environmental

• Access to deadly means like firearms / drugs
• Long-term stress, like harassment, financial crisis, life transitions, or loss
• Exposure to another person’s suicide or accounts of suicide

Historical

• Previous suicide attempts
• Family history of suicide
• Childhood abuse, neglect, or trauma

Warning signs are indicators that an individual may be considering suicide. These can be especially concerning if related to a painful event, loss, or change.

If an individual talks about:

• Killing themselves
• Feeling hopeless
• Having no reason to live
• Being a burden to others
• Feeling trapped
• Unbearable pain

Behaviors

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Searching for ways to end their life
• Isolating from others
• Sleep changes
• Saying goodbye / making final preparations
• Giving away prized possessions
• Aggression
• Fatigue

Mood Issues

• Depression / anxiety
• Loss of interest in things they once enjoyed
• Shame / embarrassment
• Anger / irritability
• Relief or sudden improvement

It’s okay to ask questions if you are concerned about someone’s mental health or suicide risk. Simple, but straightforward questions can help the individual open up and get the help they need. Are you having suicidal thoughts? Have you thought about harming yourself or ending your life? Keep in mind that asking these questions will not lead them to act.

If someone expresses suicidal ideation or a plan for suicide, call your local crisis center or 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The national lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7. For more information about the 988 lifeline, visit 988lifeline.org. Your EAP is also a resource that can help with mental health concerns or the impacts of suicide. Please note that for mental health emergencies or immediate danger, the EAP will direct you to a local crisis center for crisis care.

Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (n.d.). Risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs. Retrieved from https://afsp.org/risk-factors-protective-factors-and-warning-signs/