The suicide statistics in the United States are alarming. The suicide rate has been climbing for some time, and is expected to grow even more rapidly as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic become more apparent. The Centers for Disease Control share these statistics about suicide:
Behavioral health conditions — including substance use disorder, trauma, anxiety, and depression bipolar disorder — can contribute to the risk of suicide. Also, a person’s chances of dying by suicide are increased by traumatic life events (such as abuse, bullying, job loss, divorce, death in the family), as well as chronic pain and/or illness, access to lethal means (such as pills or firearms), and previous suicide attempt(s).
No matter who you are, it’s a good idea to understand the warning signs and symptoms of suicide so you can identify when there’s still time to intervene. Remember, suicide is preventable. And no matter how desperate you or your loved one feels, help is available.
Verbal signs are more concrete. They can be direct, such as commenting about not wanting to exist anymore or wishing to go to sleep and never wake up. Or the comments may be more passive, articulating feelings of being a burden, feeling stuck or life lacking worth or purpose.
Behavioral signs should be taken seriously, and can indicate that thoughts of suicide may about to be put into action. These signs can involve isolation from friends or family, shutting down communication, using drugs and alcohol more frequently, increased aggression, researching or reading about suicide, reckless behavior, and planning a funeral or writing a will.ailable.
Signs of suicide can involve emotions such as shame and humiliation, feeling depressed, anxiety, anger, irritability, and lack of interest in favorite activities
Don’t worry about offending the person you’re concerned about. Ask directly if they have a plan to kill themselves. And if they do, take action right away. You can give them a ride to a hospital emergency department. Or you can reach out to a behavioral health professional.
At Golden Peak, our staff is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you or someone you love is at risk for suicide, pick up the phone and call XXX-XXX-XXXX right now.
The CSC offers some useful suggestions to help you if you’re concerned about a friend or family member being at risk for suicide:
At Golden Peak, our clinical staff and licensed therapists are here for you right now. If you or someone you know is thinking about ending their lives, please call us. We’re on your side.
