National Suicide Prevention Month is observed in September by mental health advocates, organizations, and people with personal experiences related to suicide. Because suicide can be difficult to understand and uncomfortable to discuss, many people avoid the topic. National Suicide Prevention Month helps educate communities about the complexities of suicide, the warning signs to watch for, and the resources available to people who are struggling.
Lorri Darrow, M.D., Psy.D., is a psychiatrist at Ozarks Community Hospital’s Evergreen Behavioral Health Clinic in Springfield, Missouri. Dr. Darrow shares insight on suicide awareness, warning signs, and prevention.
Understanding Suicide
Suicide is a very complex subject. People of all ages, sexes, ethnicities, and backgrounds can be at risk for suicide. Understanding common risk factors can help people recognize when someone may need additional support.
According to the National Institute for Mental Health, the main risk factors for suicide are:
- A history of suicide attempts
- Depression, other mental disorders, or substance use disorder
- Chronic pain
- Family history of mental disorder, substance use, and/or suicide
- Exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
- Having recently been released from prison or jail
- Exposure, either directly or indirectly, to others’ suicidal behavior (family members, peers, celebrities, etc.)
“Behind every suicide-risk assessment is a human being whose pain may have exceeded their ability to imagine that life can become different,” Dr. Darrow said. “Our job as mental health professionals is to help them find the next step.”
Many people with risk factors for suicide will not attempt to harm themselves. Stressful life events and relationship stressors may increase suicide risk, especially when they occur alongside other risk factors (NIMH). Because it can be difficult to know who will act on suicidal thoughts, warning signs are often stronger indicators that someone may be in immediate danger.
Spotting the Signs
Talking about suicide is important, but it can be difficult. Most people see suicide as something that happens to other people, not to the people they love and certainly not to themselves. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death overall in the United States in 2023, claiming the lives of nearly 50,000 people.
The effect of suicide does not end with the person who died. Suicide has a ripple effect across entire communities; loved ones, peers, coworkers, teachers, friends, and healthcare professionals are all affected when someone dies by suicide. Knowing the warning signs can help people recognize when support may be needed and take action sooner.
According to NIMH, warning signs of suicide include:
- Feeling empty, hopeless, trapped, or as if there is no reason to live; feeling extremely sad, anxious, agitated, or full of rage; or experiencing unbearable emotional or physical pain.
- Talking about wanting to die; talking about feeling great guilt or shame; talking about being a burden to others.
- Changing behavior, such as planning or researching ways to die; withdrawing from loved ones; saying goodbye; giving away important items; making a will; displaying extreme mood swings; eating or sleeping more or less; or using drugs or alcohol more often.
Preventing Suicide
If you know someone who you think may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, the National Institute of Mental Health suggests 5 steps you can take to support them.
- ASK: Start a conversation.
- BE THERE: Listen without judgment.
- HELP KEEP THEM SAFE: Reduce access to lethal items or places.
- HELP THEM CONNECT: Help them reach out to a trusted loved one or mental health professional.
- FOLLOW UP: Stay in touch.
Asking someone if they are feeling suicidal can be daunting, but starting a conversation can show that you care about them and are concerned about their well-being. Sometimes, a listening ear is all someone needs to begin the healing process.
“This September, Suicide Prevention Month asks us to remember that prevention happens in ordinary moments of patient care when we notice a change, ask one more question, listen without judgement, take an answer seriously, and make sure a struggling patient does not leave our care alone,” Dr. Darrow said.
Professional Help is Available
Talking to a mental health professional can help people struggling with suicidal ideation work through the feelings, thoughts, and stressors that may be contributing to their poor mental health. Many types of psychotherapy can help patients learn to deal with stressful experiences, thoughts, and emotions. A mental health professional can determine the type of therapy that may benefit a patient most.
In some cases, someone struggling with suicidal ideation may need medication. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications could help reduce the symptoms that are causing discomfort and contributing to suicidal thoughts.
Ozarks Community Hospital offers a wide range of outpatient behavioral health services at its hospital and community-based health clinics. Services include therapy for all age groups, family therapy, and medication management. To schedule an appointment, visit ochonline.net/schedule-appointment/.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to be connected with a crisis specialist.