By: Darcy Knight
Many people have been touched by the tragic loss of a friend or loved one through suicide. In the United States in 2022, 49,000 died by suicide–one death every 11 minutes. (hhs.gov). A completed suicide can have a devastating impact on loved ones with far-reaching consequences that can last for years.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has developed a national strategy for suicide prevention that utilizes a comprehensive approach. Their goal is to prevent suicide in the first place, support people with increased risk, prevent re-attempts, and promote long-term recovery. You can read more about this strategy here. Their four-pronged approach is set to be implemented over the next 10 years and includes:
- Community-based suicide prevention– Establish effective, broad-based, collaborative, and sustainable suicide prevention partnerships.
- Treatment and Crisis Services–implement effective services and improve access
- Surveillance, Quality Improvement, and Research–Promote and support research on suicide prevention
- Health Equity in Suicide Prevention–Create an equitable and diverse suicide prevention workforce that is equipped and supported to address the needs of the communities they serve
It is very encouraging that the government is working to implement an equitable and comprehensive strategy. But there are still actions that community members, family, and friends can take to increase awareness and try to help prevent suicide.
Know the Signs
- Depressed or overwhelming emotional pain
- Feeling guilt, shame, self loathing
- Hopelessness
- Talking about wanting to die or hurt themselves
- Making a plan to die that also has the means of carrying it out
- Changes in behavior (mood swings, withdrawal, saying goodbyes, using drugs or alcohol more, eating/sleeping less)
Take Action (nimh.nih.gov)
- Start a conversation–”I have been concerned about you lately.”
- Listen without judgment–acknowledging suicidal thoughts can help reduce the thoughts
- Let them know they are not alone in this
- Help to keep them safe–reduce access to lethal items, ask if they have a plan
- Help them connect–Connect them with the Suicide Crisis Lifeline 988, which can provide emotional support and resources
- Follow-up–contact after the crisis can help with suicide prevention
You can find a step-by-step help guide to talk you through this process here
#bethe1to help someone in crisis
