Notes on Suicide

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Veterans Crisis Line. U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/. Accessed Feb. 24, 2018. For friends and family members. MentalHealth.gov. https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/friends-family-members. Accessed April 14, 2023. Have a medical condition that can be linked to depression and suicidal thinking, such as chronic disease, chronic pain or terminal illness Just asking someone if they’re suicidal can help. Asking directly about suicide gives someone permission to open up and lets them know they’re not a burden. If someone feels suicidal, it can be a huge relief to talk about how they feel.

Kirkwood, A. (n.d.). Tips for talking to students about suicide [PDF]. Oregon Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign. Take talk of suicide seriously. Never suggest a person take their life in a moment of your own exasperation. Never suggest they are only seeking attention. Although attempted suicide is more frequent for women, men are more likely than women to complete suicide because they typically use more-lethal methods, such as a firearm. Today, many organizations and people are working hard on suicide prevention, and there are more resources available than ever. No one should have to deal with suicidal thoughts alone. Ask your loved one if they can think of reasons to live. Devising a list of reasons to live can reduce the power of suicidal feelings. If your loved one is unable to devise such a list, don’t judge, argue with, or shame them.We know that it is okay to talk about suicide, even with someone who might be thinking about it,” Reidenberg said. “Doing so does not make them want to die more or lead them to attempt suicide. In fact, talking with someone who is thinking about this can reduce their level of anxiety, distress, and hopelessness and encourage them to seek help. Research shows that if you’re worried about someone, talk to them. It’s okay to do that.” Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. The Crisis Text Line is a free text messaging resource offering 24/7 support to anyone in crisis. Don’t talk about how the person is making you feel, and don’t judge their behavior. This shuts down conversation, and can increase feelings of frustration and hopelessness. “You’re stressing me out with your negativity” is unhelpful. “I’ve noticed you seem sad lately. How are you feeling?” is more effective. Urge the person to seek treatment. Someone who is thinking about suicide or is very depressed may not have the energy or motivation to find help. If the person doesn't want to see a doctor or mental health professional, you can suggest other sources for help. Support groups, crisis centers, and faith communities are good options. A teacher or another trusted person also can help. You can offer support and advice too — but remember that it's not your job to take the place of a mental health professional. Suicide does not just occur in high-income countries but is a global phenomenon in all regions of the world. In fact, over 77% of global suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2019.

It can also help to tell family members and friends about the warning signs so they can know when you may need help. Eliminate access to lethal methods of suicide Researchers have observed a contagion effect associated with glamorized and heavily publicized suicide ever since. Gorton HC, et al. (2016). Non-psychotropicmedication and risk of suicide or attempted suicide: A systematic review. DOI:If you have concerns about a friend or family member, asking about suicidal thoughts and intentions is the best way to identify risk. Murder and suicide Offer to assist the person take steps to get help and support. You can research treatment options. Offer to make phone calls and review insurance benefit information. You also can offer to go with the person to an appointment. Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is one possible treatment method for lowering your risk of attempting suicide. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that’s often used for people who are having thoughts of suicide. Know that it’s ok if you feel angry, but understand what happened. In the mind of someone who dies by suicide, they are a burden to others and do not belong. You and I know that’s not true, but in their mind, riddled with the insidious lies of Depression, they did not. They believed, TRULY believed that that their existence caused pain and that the world would be better off without them. From their perspective, their last act was a selfless one or one of mercy to end suffering. That’s the tragedy of suicide.

Suicide is just a cry for attention or a cry for help,” you may say. Maybe it is sometimes. That brave soul is fighting for their life! LISTEN TO THAT CRY! Help if you can. Refrain from posting or transmitting any unsolicited, promotional materials, "junk mail," "spam," "chain mail," "pyramid schemes" or any other form of solicitation. ADAA reserves the right to delete these posts immediately upon notice.For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide. A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide in the general population. Suicide statistics. (n.d.). American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Retrieved from https://afsp.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics I feel your pain…at least I want to. I want to listen, to wrap my arms around you, to tell you that you are NOT alone, that people care, that this will pass, that life CAN get better, that there IS hope, that NOTHING is unforgiveable or irreversible.

Suicidal feelings can be confusing, frightening and complicated. They can range from having general thoughts about not wanting to be here to make a plan about how and when you could end your life. You might feel less like you want to die and more that you want the pain to stop. While some people experiencing suicidal thoughts may openly share these thoughts, others may suffer in silence. The AFSP highlights the following warning signs:Reach Out. Give someone a chance to help even when you are falling down, down, down. Your whole life will turn around. Reach out to somebody. Give your hand to somebody. Life is in the palm of their hands. Reach out to them. Reach out to them. Reach out to them. If you live in the United States, try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). They have trained counselors available 24/7. Stop a Suicide Today is another helpful resource. Get the treatment you need. If you don't treat the underlying cause, your suicidal thoughts are likely to return. You may feel embarrassed to seek treatment for mental health problems, but getting the right treatment for depression, substance misuse or another underlying problem will make you feel better about life — and help keep you safe.