September is designated as Suicide Prevention Month, which raises awareness about the crisis. By shifting public perception, it brings attention to the struggles of suicidal individuals and gives them the help they need. Moreover, raising awareness encourages open discussions about suicide in an effort to provide these struggling individuals with a voice and genuine support.
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Unfortunately, anyone can be affected by suicidal thoughts regardless of their gender, age, or background. While these thoughts are common, they often reveal deeper underlying issues within an individual and shouldn’t be taken lightly. That’s why, sharing vital information and resources is key to empowering these individuals to address their mental health issues head-on.
Suicide is a horrible tragedy that remains, to some extent, a complex enigma to understand. People who struggle with this mental illness tend to struggle with a deep sense of hopelessness. Due to this negative feeling, these individuals may be unable to perceive any viable solutions to their problems. As a result, this hopelessness may lead them to seek suicide as an escape from what may be temporary problems or ones with actual solutions.
Risk Factors of Suicide Ideation
While depression is a major cause of suicidal ideation, it may come with other lesser-known contributors. These potential risk factors include substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, a family history of suicide, chronic pain, and even previous suicide attempts. Among young adolescents, in particular, impulsiveness can significantly influence depression and suicidal thoughts.
- Along with these risk factors, sudden mood changes, especially upbeat attitudes, may lead to someone becoming suicidal. Not only can positive mood changes be a sign of suicide ideation but behavioral changes can reveal the person’s struggles too. Other ways someone may contemplate suicide is through expressions of negative feelings such as losing the will to live or beliefs of being a burden. Besides the mental pain, experiencing unbearable physical pain can lead one to turn suicidal as well.
According to statistics, individuals between the ages of 45 and 54 are most likely to become suicidal. Furthermore, women tend to have more suicide attempts, while it’s more common for men to complete the act. Ultimately, by recognizing these signs and statistics, these individuals can receive the proper support and interventions.
Positive Discussions About Suicide
Sadly, the ignorance surrounding suicide makes providing treatment to these affected people challenging. For instance, there’s a myth that someone may be encouraged to complete the act by simply discussing their issues. In reality, however, this belief is far from the case, and it’s best to engage in conversation about suicide, especially if someone expresses thoughts or plans regarding it.
In these discussions, don’t be condescending or judgmental as an individual may shut down as a result of not being heard. Although advice may not help unless wanted, suggesting concrete resources such as the suicide prevention hotline or therapies may help these individuals in more effective ways. Likewise, you should commit to following up with these individuals consistently and periodically by asking questions or making direct statements regarding their thoughts and behaviors.
Who Benefits From Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide Prevention Month isn’t only for those struggling with suicide, but benefits those grieving as well. Obviously, the worst part about suicide is losing a loved one as it leaves someone to experience complex grief surrounding the person or event. Along with this profound grief, feelings of shame, guilt, anger, despair, and even relief can be overwhelming and confusing for the grieving individuals.
For those who discovered or learned about the death firsthand, the experience can be further traumatizing. However, these individuals could benefit from seeking support as isolation and handling the pain alone isn’t necessarily ideal. By sharing the burden of grief with others, many suicide survivors can properly carry the weight of their own emotions. While this pain of loss never fully disappears, these survivors can gain an understanding that their loved one’s passing wasn’t their fault.
Final Thoughts
Persistent suicidal thoughts and behaviors are troubling and anyone experiencing them should seek help immediately. During a crisis, suicidal hotlines prove to be the most immediate resource as its staffed by trained professionals who can effectively guide someone to a better mind state. Other valuable resources in these crises that one should explore are local authorities and crisis centers. Beyond addressing the immediate crisis, psychiatric therapy may help prevent future crises and provide quality treatment.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician or other medical professional. Please speak with your doctor or therapist if you have any questions or concerns.
