Suicide is a serious and distressing subject that is likely to make people feel a bit uncomfortable. Yet, Suicide Prevention Month every September, forces us to be aware of this sensitive topic that can be a grim reality for some. Unfortunately, suicide continues to claim lives, but by recognizing the warning signs, we can look out for each other and do our best to lend a helping hand.
According to research from NAMI, typically, those who are considering an attempt will begin to withdraw themselves from friends and family, have intense mood swings, and uncontrollable anger. The behavior may become reckless and impulsive, letting others know these actions have a deeper meaning. Even with that in mind, looking at someone and detecting these struggles is not always easy. Michelle, a young woman who bravely shared her troubling experience dealing with mental illness and suicide attempts, stated, “The way I look is not my depression.” This quote just goes to show that not everyone will show their struggle through self-expression. Many people mask their pain, going through silent battles, because they do not want to be seen as a burden to others. On top of Michelle suffering from depression, she also had bulimia, a serious eating disorder marked by cycles of binging and purging. NAMI reports that 46% of individuals who have died by suicide did have a mental health condition.
One of the most alarming warning signs is suicidal ideation: persistent, intrusive thoughts about death and existential questioning. Suicidal ideation alone does not guarantee an attempt, but it does significantly increase the likelihood of self-harm. It is one thing to think about death, but it is a far more dangerous signal to take action to get closer to death.
So what can we do to help? The easiest and most effective thing is communicating and talking to people. Being open and speaking to others in a way that makes them feel comfortable can cause them to share more intimate details of their feelings, which gives people the opportunity to share some kindness. One compassionate conversation may be enough to have someone see the light at the end of the tunnel. Simply being present and listening can save a life.
Additional Resources:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
https://www.verywellmind.com/suicidal-ideation-380609
https://www.nnhopes.org/nnh-blog/national-suicide-prevention-week-2019/
