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Suicide Prevention Month 2023 – How to make a difference

As your partner in patient safety, we’re committed to preventing patient self-harm and suicide within the most challenging behavioral health environments. While we will continue to drive innovation to advance design in behavioral health, we’re also of the belief that suicide prevention should be a shared responsibility of all Americans.
September marks Suicide Prevention Month 2023 and with it comes an opportunity for all of us to raise awareness about suicide and what individuals can do on a day-to-day basis to help prevent it.

 

Raising awareness of suicide

Suicide remains a leading cause of death in the United States, tragically claiming over 48,000 lives in 2021. Suicide deaths, however, reflect only a portion of the problem, with millions of Americans thinking seriously about suicide, planning, or attempting suicide every year.

While a complex matter with no singular cause, suicide can be prevented. According to a national survey, 93% of Americans believe suicide can be prevented, and 95% would take action to help someone who was thinking of attempting suicide. These figures are overwhelmingly positive, showing that the American people are willing and ready to help others in times of need.

The same survey, however, found that 69% of Americans identified barriers that keep them from discussing suicide with others. These barriers included not knowing what to say (31%), feeling as though they have a lack of knowledge on the subject (28%), or not feeling comfortable with the topic (19%). These figures highlight the importance of improving our understanding as a nation of suicide. The better we are equipped with knowledge and how to communicate delicate topics, the better we will be able to act together in the prevention of suicide.

 

How can you make a difference in suicide prevention?

 

Suicide prevention is everyone’s business and the better we can equip ourselves with knowledge as a nation, the greater impact we can have. Suicide prevention is about being there for people around you, but it begins with understanding what to look for and knowing what you can do to help. Often people will avoid discussing suicide from fear of making it worse,  however, research by the National Institutes of Health suggests that this isn’t the case. Everyone can learn the warning signs, how to help, and how to get help.

 

What to watch for

Individual, relationship, community, societal – many different factors may influence the risk of suicide and it is very rarely down to one factor alone. Knowing what the warning signs may be can help people know when to offer support to those in need or to seek help themself. These signs can include:

  • Feeling like a burden
  • Being isolated
  • Increased anxiety
  • Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Increased substance use
  • Looking for a way to access lethal means
  • Increased anger or rage
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Expressing hopelessness
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Talking or posting about wanting to die
  • Making plans for suicide

 

Steps you can take to help someone in need

 

  • Ask: It may not be an easy question to ask, but do not be afraid to ask if someone is having suicidal thoughts. Avoid phrases such as “are you thinking of doing something silly?” and respond calmly and compassionately.

 

  • Keep them safe: After having asked, it’s important to establish immediate safety for the vulnerable person. Keep any persons with suicidal thoughts in a safe environment and away from lethal items. The 988 Lifeline number can offer support if you are unsure of how to keep the person safe.

 

  • Be there: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Being there for someone can mean being physically present, speaking on the phone, or any other way that helps the person to feel supported. It is important to always follow through on any support offered. Being there for someone experiencing suicidal thoughts can be life saving.

 

  • Help them connect: Helping the vulnerable person connect with support services such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number (call or text 988) and the Crisis Text Line number (741741) can also be life saving. You can also help make a connection with resources in the community and mental health professionals, as well as contacting a trusted individual like a family member if possible.

 

  • Follow up: Having ensured the vulnerable person has received the immediate support they require, it is important to follow up with them to see how they are doing. This could be a visit, a phone call, or a text.

 

Help is available

Thanks to services like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7 help is available. If you’re worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. Call or Text 988.

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