Breaking the Silence About Suicide Awareness and Prevention

In the wake of the escalating mental health crisis in the U.S., recognizing this year’s Suicide Prevention Month is more urgent now than ever. Every day, families and communities are losing loved ones, friends, and students to a silent struggle that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

The statistics are staggering: suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), with numbers slowly increasing as the years go on. By understanding the warning signs, risk factors, and preventive measures, we can do our best to protect all those who struggle with feelings of suicide or self-harm.

Healthcare professionals, especially those of us who specialize in mental health, are regularly updated on the latest prevention techniques and interventions for depression, suicidal ideation, and self-harm, but the general public frequently isn’t. With that in mind, we created this blog to provide you with up-to-date information to carry beyond this September’s Suicide Prevention Month.

Facts You Need to Know About Suicide Prevention in the U.S.

If you’re not a statistics person, you probably don’t make a habit of accessing health data online. However, knowing the specifics of how suicide is impacting your country and community is the first step toward making a difference. Here are some of the basic facts you need to know.

• There’s one death every 11 minutes due to suicide.
• In 2022, 13.2 million people reported they seriously thought about suicide. 3.8 reported to the CDC they made a plan. 1.6 million people also attempted but survived.
• American Indian and Alaskan Native people and communities have the highest rates of suicide, at 27.1%.
• Males (23%) are more likely to attempt and complete suicide than females (5.9%).
• Older adults 65+ make up almost 60% of all deaths related to suicide in the U.S.

Also, the facts in this section come from the same 2024 report from the CDC linked above.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Everyone can experience thoughts of suicide, from kids as young as four or five to those entering older adulthood. However, these thoughts may not always appear how you’d think. Instead of only thinking about “wanting to die,” as it’s often portrayed, thoughts of suicide can be (and typically are) more complex than that. Lots of times, people struggling with these thoughts are also dealing with things like (but not limited to) severe depression, high anxiety and stress, difficulty processing trauma, or low self-esteem, so the statements they make could be in the context of those thoughts or feelings. Here are a few examples:

• “I don’t think I can handle this stress/pain/anxiety anymore; maybe ending it would be the only way to stop it.”
• “I wish I could just fade away and not exist anymore.”
• “I just want to disappear and never have to deal with any of this again.”
• “I feel like I’m drowning in my problems, and there’s no way out. I don’t want to do this anymore.”

Recognizing suicide warning signs is crucial in preventing tragic losses. However, it’s essential to understand that everyone’s mental health journey is unique, and warning signs can vary significantly from person to person. Changes in behavior, mood, or speech patterns may indicate distress. Some may withdraw socially, while others may become increasingly irritable or reckless. Others may exhibit sudden interest in firearms or lethal means.

It’s vital to familiarize yourself with the specific signs that may be indicative of suicidal thoughts in your loved ones, such as alterations in sleep patterns, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, or direct or indirect expressions of hopelessness. Be aware that even subtle shifts in behavior can signal a cry for help.

As you read through this blog, remember to recognize that these signs don’t necessarily mean someone is suicidal but rather that they may be struggling with their mental health. Either way, if a loved one, or even someone you don’t know that well, starts exhibiting any of these signs, it’s important to do what you can to ensure they have the resources they need. If you suspect someone is struggling, initiate an open conversation, listen without judgment, and encourage professional help.

Suicide Prevention Tips for People of All Ages

So, how can you get involved with suicide prevention awareness?

Our number one tip is to share crisis resources, like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) or Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741), which is a great way to spread awareness and provide people with valuable resources if they ever develop thoughts or feelings of suicide. Also, you can encourage them to seek professional help. While this isn’t always an option for everyone, counseling is highly beneficial in helping people work through the overwhelming feelings and struggles that lead to thoughts of suicide.

We’ve also compiled a list of tips specific to age groups across the lifespan.

Children, Teens, and Young Adults

Children may not fully understand complex emotions, making it challenging to identify suicidal thoughts. However, as we mentioned earlier, kids as young as five can experience suicidal ideation. Children who experience trauma, bullying, family dynamics like divorce and substance abuse, or pre-existing mental health or behavioral health conditions are more vulnerable to these types of thoughts as well.

As you may guess, teens and young adults are also at an extremely high risk of having thoughts of suicide because of an infinite amount of factors — but being the generation with the most access to the internet and ever-changing, complex social code influenced by this access isn’t helping. Yet, despite being the second leading cause of death among those aged 15-24, suicide remains shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding.

• Address these stigmas by encouraging open conversations about mental health and listening without judgment.
• Pay attention to subtle behavior, mood, or changes in social media activity.
• Don’t dismiss their stress as a part of typical teen or high school drama.
• Teach them to recognize, express, and manage emotions healthily.

Middle-aged and Older Adults

Middle adulthood often brings significant life changes, including career transitions, relationship shifts, and aging parents. These stressors can increase feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, and depression, potentially leading to suicidal thoughts. Specifically, men in this age group are particularly vulnerable. Substance abuse and underlying mental health conditions can exacerbate suicidal ideation.

Older adults face even more unique challenges as their age catches up to them, including social isolation, chronic illness, and loss of loved ones. These factors can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. Seniors may also struggle with cognitive decline, pain management, and reduced independence.

Follow these tips to help the adults in your life feel valued and loved, reducing their risk of developing suicidal thoughts.

• Encourage them to participate in stress-reducing activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies.
• Maintain strong relationships and regularly engage with family, friends, and members of your community to combat isolation.
• Recommend they consult mental health professionals or geriatric specialists for guidance on managing emotional and physical challenges.