Each September, World Suicide Prevention Month is commemorated globally. At The Better Normal, we believe it’s essential to discuss this social issue, which is often surrounded by taboo and stigma.
Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.
Why is It Important to Talk About Suicide?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700.000 deaths each year globally. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide.
Talking about this issue is the first step to preventing it. When we talk about our emotions, we put into words what we are experiencing. In doing so, we open a door. Dialogue about our mental health is essential. Not only to lighten our own burden but also to enable conversations with others. Being present for one another is essential. It is in our hands to let the person next to us know that they are not alone.
Here’s how to talk to someone who may be struggling with their mental health.
Here Are Some Statistics
Knowing the statistics helps us understand the magnitude of the problem that suicide represents on a global scale. However, it is important to know that each case is unique and that suicide has multiple causes. We need to consider many factors to analyze them and take into account the person’s life context.
- Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the US.
- In 2022, 49,476 Americans died by suicide.
- In 2022, there were an estimated 1.6M suicide attempts.
- The age-adjusted suicide rate in 2022 was 14.21 per 100,000 individuals.
- In 2022, men died by suicide 3.85 times more than women.
- White males accounted for 68.46% of suicide deaths in 2022.
- In 2022, firearms accounted for 54.64% of all suicide deaths.
What Are The Warning Signs of Suicide?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) warning signs that someone may be at immediate risk for attempting suicide include:
- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
- Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
- Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Giving away important possessions
- Saying goodbye to friends and family
- Putting affairs in order, such as making a will
- Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
- Talking or thinking about death often
Other serious warning signs that someone may be at risk for attempting suicide include:
- Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
- Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling great guilt or shame
- Using alcohol or drugs more often
- Acting anxious or agitated
- Changing eating or sleeping habits
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
Suicide is not a normal response to stress. Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress and should not be ignored. If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.
Resources for Suicide Prevention
If you are suicidal or in emotional distress, call or text 988 or chat online to connect with the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. You are not alone.
You can also visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to find resources for suicide prevention for you or someone you know. They also provide additional resources supporting diverse communities, the LGBTQ community, and the military as well.
The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. They provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.
There’s also To Write Love on Her Arms, a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. Here’s an amazing toolkit with resources, guides, playlists, videos, and more.
