Suicide Prevention: Changing the Narrative
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year, while the United States alone loses roughly 49,000 people annually to suicide. This year’s theme focuses on “changing the narrative” and “starting the conversation”; shifting from silence and a lack of understanding, to openness, support and empathy.
Suicide is a terrifying concept to most of us. How do we talk about it? What do I say? Who gets to talk about it? What do we do about it? These are just some of the many questions that arise. While questions like these may be uncomfortable, they are vital. Silence only continues to fuel feelings of shame, isolation, burden, and unbearable pain in those who may be experiencing suicidal ideation.
Engaging in honest and open conversations with loved ones, communities, and even ourselves can help shift the stigma surrounding suicide and create spaces of empathy, support, and connection. Despite popular belief and myth, suicidal ideation isn’t reserved for those experiencing mental health crisis, depression, or trauma; anyone can experience these thoughts and feelings. By breaking down the stigma we allow for all humans to be seen, heard, and believed. This is what helps to prevent suicide.
But conversations aren’t the end all be all. Suicidal ideation is impacted by many things such as: housing, food security, affordable healthcare, equity, livable wages, systemic inequalities, availability of social programs, school and workplace accommodations, policies and access to mental health care. All of these factors play a role in preventing suicide. Suicide and suicidal ideation is a human problem, and all humans deserve access to the things that make life worth living.
So what do we do? While suicidal ideation is a systemic epidemic, every little effort counts. Knowing the signs, having the hard conversations, connecting to people and things we love, holding space for someone in need, reminding someone they matter and are loved; all of these small things matter.
Knowing the signs can be difficult. If you are unaware or unsure of what they may be, here are some below:
Emotional signs:
Persistent hopelessness
Feeling trapped or believing there is no way forward
Intense shame or guilt
Increased anxiety or emotional distress
Loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
Feeling like a burden to others
Behavioral signs:
Withdrawing from family, friends, or daily activities
Giving away meaningful belongings
Saying goodbye to loved ones or expressing final wishes
Increased use of alcohol or other substances
Sudden calmness following a period of severe emotional distress
Talking or writing about feeling like a burden or not wanting to live
When talking with someone who may be experiencing suicidal ideation remember the following:
Listen calmly. Give them space to talk without interrupting or rushing to solve the problem.
Believe what they tell you. Avoid assuming they are exaggerating or seeking attention. Their emotional pain is real and deserves a compassionate response.
Avoid minimizing their feelings. Statements such as "You'll be fine" or "Other people have it worse" can unintentionally increase feelings of isolation.
Stay with them if immediate risk exists. If you believe someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves, do not leave them alone while arranging emergency support.
Encourage professional help. Offer to help contact a mental health provider, eating disorder specialist, trusted family member, or crisis resource.
Know emergency resources. Familiarize yourself with local emergency services and crisis hotlines before a crisis occurs so you can respond quickly if needed.
If you, or someone you love are experiencing suicidal thoughts, feelings or ideation help is available. Call the national suicide prevention hotline at: 988 or seek professional help. Emerald Mental Health is here for you. We care, and you matter. Reach out to us today at https://www.emeraldmentalhealthchicago.com/contact.
