Join the Fight to Prevent Suicide

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death.

 

In 2022 alone, there was at least one death by suicide every 11 minutes.

 

Suicide can be prevented 100% as long as everyone is educated on the warning signs, how to help someone with suicidal thoughts or suicidal ideation.

 

Read on to learn what the warning signs of suicide are, how to talk to someone you think may be having suicidal thoughts, and how you can play a part in suicide prevention.

 

 

What to watch out for

 

Sometimes people don’t show obvious signs of having any issues.

 

This can make it hard to tell if they are depressed, sad, having suicidal thoughts, or perfectly fine — like they appear or claim to be.

 

Some people who are close to the person affected by suicidal thoughts can tell something is off.

 

For some people, the signs they are experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts are:

●        Talking about wanting to die, that the world or people around them would be better off, or that no one cares

●        Feeling empty, hopeless, or trapped

●        Having extreme feelings of sadness, anxiety, or rage

●        Complaining about unbearable pain — emotional or physical

●        Making plans or researching ways to die

●        Withdrawing from loved ones or things they used to enjoy doing

●        Writing a will, saying goodbye to loved ones, or giving away cherished belongings

●        Extreme mood swings

●        Extreme changes to eating or sleeping habits

●        Beginning to take drugs or drink excessively

 

At times, the person may even seem excessively happy, try too hard to please others, or try to make everyone laugh.

 

 

Talking it out

 

If you notice any of these signs, you can help the person by talking to them or getting them professional help.

 

You can try to talk to them by reaching out and saying things like:

●        Something seems off with you lately, are you ok?

●        You can talk to me about anything that's bothering you, I’m always here for you.

●        Please don’t hurt yourself

●        I don’t want you to die; I would miss you too much

●         

 

You can try sending them a letter or heartfelt card that expresses how you feel about them, that you are thinking of them, and that you are always there for them.

 

Sometimes, just knowing that someone cares can make a big difference in their life and mental state.

 

There are things you should avoid if you think or know someone is having suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide.

 

Among these are:

●        Telling them you know how they feel — it's likely that you don’t know, because everyone’s feelings and thoughts are different

●        Telling them to get over it, that they are just being dramatic, or the thoughts and feelings will pass

 

Don’t make promises to keep it a secret, because the truth is, telling someone else can save their lives.

 

And most importantly, Don’t ignore the warning signs and just blow the person off!

 

 

Finding help for someone with suicidal thoughts

 

If you believe a loved one is showing warning signs of suicide or attempting to commit suicide, and you cannot help them, get help.

 

If their life is in immediate danger, call 911 and do not leave their side.

 

Point them to resources or tell someone, like a trusted adult, therapist, doctor, or a suicide hotline about your concerns.

 

You or your loved one can text or call The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat with someone online at 988lifeline.org.

 

The hotline is open 24/7 with someone available to talk to.

 

Talking to someone on the hotline is confidential.

 

They can and will help you or your loved one find more resources to help if needed, though.

 

Just remember, death by suicide can be completely preventable if we all join in the fight for suicide prevention.