According to the World Health Organization, in 2019 over 700,000 people died by suicide, and an unknown number thought of and/or attempted it. According to the American Psychological Association the number of suicides has risen by over 30% since 2000. World Health Organization American Psychological Association (2019)
Suicide can be a difficult topic for many reasons. However, even though it is hard to talk about, it is more important than ever to have those conversations, as it is likely that you know someone who has attempted, committed, or deals with suicidal thoughts. The battle for the mind is real, and we can never fully know what someone is going through or how they are being impacted by current events. But we can offer a listening, kind ear and awareness to those around us, communicating HOPE with every exchange, brief or long. With September being Suicide Prevention Month, we take it as an opportunity to shine a light on the darkness.
Synchronous Health Specialist, Dr. Nicole Bryant, LCSW, notes, “As a clinician, I believe it is important to have an empathetic view and recognize the issue is the method of managing pain. Our goal is to assist our participants in the discovery of managing life’s trauma. It is National Suicide Prevention month and it is all about providing alternative methods to suicide. If you need to talk to someone please reach out, you will be greeted with open arms and our hope is to walk through the unsettling together.”
The reasons why someone may attempt to or take their life are unique to that individual. There is no typical pattern and the presence of the items below doesn’t necessarily mean that someone is suicidal, however, they can be warning signs and risk factors to be mindful of:
- Any unusual changes in behavior (i.e. someone you know who is kind becomes angry and aggressive, or someone who has been sad and struggling with depression may suddenly become calm and seemingly happy and at peace).
- Changes in sleeping patterns by either sleeping more than normal and struggling to get out of bed or sleeping less and experiencing insomnia
- Access to lethal means
- Being seriously ill, living with a chronic or terminal illness or physical pain and discomfort
- Having a mental illness, particularly depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, substance use disorder, conduct disorder and especially an untreated mental illness
- Suffering from a traumatic brain injury
- Stressful life situations, especially those that are prolonged, including financial, bullying or relationship problems
- Sudden stressful or traumatic situations
- Having experienced childhood trauma and abuse
- Being exposed to another person’s suicide, past suicide attempts and a family history of suicide
Warning Signs of Suicide(2020)
No human is immune to life’s difficulties, so when you feel down or you see someone else down, remember there is always hope. Here are some ways you can help people feel seen, heard and loved.
Be sensitive to the moment. Pay attention to your own state as well as the state of others you encounter. Deep depression, emotional distance, unusual changes in behavior, disengagement or other signs that yourself or someone may be in a dark place aren’t always an obvious thing to see, nor do they necessarily mean that someone is suicidal. Paying attention, staying aware, present and sensitive to the moment can help us notice any signs we might otherwise overlook.
Practice empathy. Listening from a place of empathy, kindness and grace for yourself and others, the amount of hope which can be conveyed in any exchange we have is truly profound.
Reach out. You’re not alone. Reach out and talk to someone. Whether it’s a friend, family member or professional. Giving someone whom you feel safe and comfortable with the chance to listen can not only change your head space, but also encourage someone else in the process. You’re a gift.
If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255 or call 911.
Outside of emergencies, if you or someone you know could use some additional support, our team is ready to serve you. To learn more and register, call 844-242-3364.
