Having open conversations about suicide can save lives. If you are looking for hope. Feel free to read a letter I wrote about suicide: https://psych2go.net/dear-suicidal-person/
Statistics from Save Organization :
-Suicide it the 10th leading cause of death is the United States for all ages.
-Approximately 123 Americans die per day from suicide.
-Every 12 minutes someone dies from suicide in the US.
-Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide globally in a year, which is roughly one death every 40 seconds.
What are the warning ⚠️ signs?
- feeling empty & hopeless
- feeling like a burden to others
- feeling that there is no solution to their problem
- feeling unbearable pain, both physically and emotionally
- feeling like a burden to others
- feeling guilt or shame
- sleeping too little or too much
- not wanting to exist
- searching online for ways to end their life
- increased use of alcohol or drugs
- withdrawing from activities
- isolating from family and friends
- taking risks that could lead to death
- giving away important possessions
- putting affairs in order, making a will
- saying goodbye
- self-destructive behavior
What are the risk factors?
- substance abuse
- trauma
- difficult life events
- mental illness
- abuse
- past suicide attempts
- knowing someone who died by suicide
- family history of suicide
-having an illness
- not having accesses to mental health services
- relationship problems
- bullying
- stigma associated with asking for help
How to tell if there is an immediate crisis:
- Does the person have a plan?
- Do they have what they need to carry it out?
- Do they know when they would do it?
- Do they intend to take their own life?
How to help:
(Immediate help call 911)
- speak up if you’re worried
- help them to make a support plan
- reassure the person that help is available
- listen without judgement
- be compassionate
- be respectful
- acknowledge the person’s feelings
- encourage the person to call a suicide hotline number
- offer support
- help them think of ideas for self-help
- offer to accompany them to therapy
- help them find a therapist
- remove potentially dangerous items from the person’s home, if possible
