Preventing suicide through awareness and intervention

Suicide affects people from all walks of life, cultures and socioeconomic statuses. Suicide rates increased by 36% from 2000 to 2022. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people 10 to 14 and 25 to 34.

However, suicide is preventable.

Most people want to live, but they feel stuck because of how dire their situation feels and can't see alternative solutions. For some people, their ability to reason and problem-solve positive solutions is affected, resulting in impulsive decision-making.

How to help someone with suicidal thoughts

Whether you are a friend, family member, co-worker, teacher or community member, two crucial things you can do to help are:

1. Reach out to a person who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts.
   It's as easy as saying, "I care, I'm here and I want to listen."
2. Become familiar with suicide risk factors, warning signs and what to do to help.

These two actions can make the difference between life and death.

Identifying suicide risks

Risk factors do not cause or predict suicide. However, identifying risks helps you be aware of the possibility that someone may consider suicide.

Common suicide risks include:

• Being the victim of bullying
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling a loss of purpose
• Feeling trapped and that the only way out is death
• Feeling worthless
• Loneliness
• Shame, guilt and despair
• Stressful life events
• Trauma or abuse

What are suicide warning signs?

Making certain comments or exhibiting certain behaviors can often indicate a strong likelihood that someone is considering suicide.

Watch for someone who is:

• Acting agitated, anxious or reckless
• Displaying extreme mood swings
• Giving away valued personal belongings
• Increasing drug or alcohol use
• Showing anger or rage, or expressing a desire to seek revenge
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
• Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
• Withdrawing or isolating

How you can help someone who is feeling suicidal

Becoming more aware of suicidal risk factors and warning signs is the first step. The second step is knowing what to do when someone is potentially suicidal.

Here are four interventions to keep in mind if you're in a situation to help someone who is feeling suicidal:

1. Ask.
   Directly ask if the person is considering suicide or wants to die. Avoid asking why. Instead, request that the person help you understand his or her thought process and current struggles. Thank the person for being honest and trusting you.
2. Be willing to listen.
   Get involved and suspend judgment during your conversation. Be authentic, empathetic and sincere.
3. Reduce risks.
   Remove or secure all guns, ammunition, and prescription and over-the-counter medications from the person's possession. Even acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be dangerous in this situation.
4. Seek help for urgent needs.
   If someone verbalizes suicidal thoughts, has a plan, or tells you they will kill themselves, call 911 immediately or take the person to the nearest emergency department.

Know about available resources

Note these crisis phone numbers:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
  Call 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
• Crisis text line
  Text "HOME" to 741-741.

Everyone plays a role in suicide prevention. Stay aware of risks and warning signs, and do not hesitate to offer help when needed.

Jessie Wolf is a clinical social worker in Psychiatry & Psychology in New Prague, Minnesota.