Suicide awareness and prevention

Hannah Tiernan

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 34 in The United States. In 2022, more than 49,000 people died by suicide. With World Suicide Prevention day being September 10th, here are the warning signs and a prevention strategies to look out for and utilise.

Warning Signs

• Suicidal ideation, such as talking about or wanting to commit suicide.

• Exhibiting or expressing feelings of emptiness or hopelessness.

• Feeling trapped and stifled in their state of being.

• Experiencing unbearable emotional or physical symptoms.

• Believing that they are a burden to others.

• Withdrawing from loved ones.

• Disposing of important possessions.

• Sending final goodbyes to friends and family in some cases.

• Engaging in dangerous behaviour that could result in serious bodily harm or death.

• Displaying extreme mood swings.

Prevention:

• Ask. Despite the vulnerability that the question requires, it is the first step to understanding the person's struggles and allows them to confide in a trusting person.

• Keep them safe. Prevent them from entering dangerous places and remove their access to weapons, lethal items, and substances.

• Be There. Listen carefully to what they have to say without interruption, acknowledge their thoughts and feelings, and allow them to be unapologetically honest without shame. 

• Help them connect. Give them the numbers of local suicide hotlines, or a local therapist.

• Stay connected. Stay in touch, make yourself more available, spend time with the person, and regularly check up on them.

Suicide Prevention on a larger scale falls on the shoulders of government personnel and local leaders. It is necessary that they employ specific strategies such as strengthening economic support. For example, increasing household financial stability and stabilizing housing. Creating safe and secure environments, reducing access to lethal weapons and substances through community-based practice. They can also advocate for better psychiatric and physical health care, lower wait times, etc. 

If you or a loved one are feeling or experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out to a trusted person, a professional, or call your local suicide hotline.