Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month: Understanding the Risks and How You Can Help

September 12, 2024 PCI Centers

Understanding Suicide: Facts and Statistics

Suicide is a devastating reality affecting people across all age groups. According to the CDC and American Psychiatric Association, suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-14 and 25-34, and the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-24. For people aged 35-44, it ranks as the fifth leading cause. Those 75 and older have the highest suicide rates. In 2022 alone, approximately 49,000 people died by suicide.

Statistics from 2022 reveal that:

• 13.2 million adults considered suicide
• 3.8 million adults made a suicide plan
• 1.6 million attempted suicide

Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, with firearms being the most common method (American Psychiatric Association). Certain demographics are at a higher risk, including non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native people and non-Hispanic White people. Other groups with heightened suicide rates include veterans, residents of rural areas, LGBTQ+ individuals, and blue-collar workers.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. Although having a mental health disorder is not a prerequisite for suicidal ideation, untreated mental health conditions, such as depression, trauma, anxiety, psychosis, and substance use disorders, significantly increase the risk (Bachmann, 2018).

Despite these troubling statistics, suicide is preventable. In light of September’s Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, read below to learn how to recognize the risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors can help save lives.

Risk Factors: What Increases the Likelihood of Suicide?

Risk factors are characteristics or conditions that raise the likelihood of contemplating, attempting, or dying by suicide. A sudden stressor or catastrophic event can trigger feelings of hopelessness, serving as a tipping point.

Some common risk factors include:

• Previous suicide attempt
• Family history of suicide
• Substance use and misuse
• Mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder
• Access to lethal means (e.g., firearms, controlled medications)
• Recent losses such as divorce, death, or financial hardship
• History of trauma and abuse
• Being a target of bullying
• Chronic illness and pain
• Social isolation
• Cumulative harm to a specific cultural, ethnic, or racial group over generations
• Mental health stigma or societal prejudice

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide

Certain behaviors or expressions can signal an immediate risk of suicide. Recognizing these warning signs can help you intervene early.

Common warning signs include:

• Talking or writing excessively about death, dying, or suicide
• Expressing hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness
• Declaring there’s no reason to live
• Increased alcohol or drug use
• Risky behaviors with impaired judgment
• Severe mood swings and impulsivity
• Feeling trapped or burdensome to others
• Giving away possessions
• Chronic illness and pain
• Social withdrawal
• Putting affairs in order, such as making a will

How to Prevent and Protect Against Suicide

Protective factors can help reduce the likelihood of suicide. These include positive relationships, effective mental health care, and a strong sense of identity.

Key protective factors are:

• Strong relationships with healthcare professionals
• Access to effective mental health care
• Good connections with family, friends, community, and social institutions
• A strong cultural identity
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills

How to Support Someone Struggling with Thoughts of Suicide:

If you know someone who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide, here are some steps you can take:

• Check in: Ask how they’re feeling. Talking about suicide won’t cause it or make it more likely.
• Be present: Listen and provide validation. Sometimes, just being there can make a significant difference.
• Limit access to lethal means: Help reduce their risk by keeping them safe.
• Encourage professional help: Offer to help them find mental health resources or support.
• Share the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: This 24-hour hotline offers free, confidential support via call or text.
• Follow up: Let them know you’re thinking of them and offer continued support.

By understanding the risk factors and taking action, we can help prevent suicide and support those in crisis. For immediate help, call the national suicide hotline at 988. Suicide prevention resources are always available at https://sprc.org/ and https://www.samhsa.gov/. If you, or a loved one are needing support and help for your mental health or addiction in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Ventura, or Calabasas, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our care coordinators will help guide you through what treatment is right for you.