Suicide signals emerge from a complex combination of numerous factors. Recognize and respond to help save a life.
Over the past decade, there has been a troubling increase in suicide rates within the Black community. Most recently, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that Black individuals experienced the highest rate of suicidal ideation resulting in emergency department visits from 2016 to 2020. Additionally, suicide emerged as the second leading cause of death among Black Americans aged 15–24 in 2019.
Suicidal ideation refers to persistent contemplation and preoccupation with the idea of ending one’s life. The intensity, frequency, and duration of these thoughts can vary significantly.
How?
While single incidents, such as relationship breakups, are often pinpointed as triggers for suicidal thoughts, research provides a more nuanced perspective. Suicide is a complex outcome influenced by a multitude of factors. Specifically, suicidal thoughts are more likely to result from a combination of factors, including a recent breakup, loss of employment, limited financial resources, and lack of social support. It’s like a multi-car pile-up, where one car may be speeding while another driver is not paying attention. It’s the culmination of various environmental, individual, and emotional factors that determine a person’s capacity to cope with stressful situations.
So, if suicide is the myriad of factors that are hard to predict, how do you know it’s coming?
The following risk factors contribute to the conditions that foster suicidal thoughts.
- Financial limitations.
- High levels of stress.
- Relationship difficulties.
- Family-related stressors.
The culmination of risk factors can make a person vulnerable to suicidal thoughts. Unfortunately, the stigma of suicide prevents people from being open about how they are feeling.
Recognize the Main Warning Signs of Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidal thoughts can be presented in various ways, however, there are some common suicide signs.
- Expressing thoughts or discussions about suicide
- Misusing drugs and/or alcohol
- Feeling no sense of purpose or belonging
- Excessive anger
- Feeling trapped (like there is no way out)
- Feeling hopelessness about the future
- Withdrawing from relationships, work, school, activities, or hobbies
- Displaying symptoms of anxiety like restlessness, irritability, or agitation
- Reckless, high-risk behavior
- Severe mood swings or extreme emotional highs and lows
- Losing interest in once-enjoyed activities
- Searching for methods to end one’s life, such as internet searches on suicide methods or seeking access to firearms or pills
Signs of a suicide plan include:
Suicidal thoughts may initially remain confined to thoughts but can escalate into intent. Here are the key indicators suggesting that an individual may have formulated a suicide plan.
- Exhibiting sudden happiness or calmness after previously displaying other suicide warning signs (indicating a sense of relief from having made a decision).
- Initiating contact with loved ones for farewells, especially following an extended absence.
- Taking steps to organize or settle their personal affairs.
- Giving away belongings, including cherished possessions.
Take Action:
If you suspect someone may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, demonstrate you care by:
Talking to them.
Your willingness to discuss their feelings of suicide can be the first crucial step in seeking help and preventing suicide. Remember that talking to them about your concerns will not increase the risk of them dying by suicide. It will not plant ideas in their head.
- Example: “Have you been thinking about ending your life?
Actively listen to them.
Avoid offering advice or judgment; instead, reassure them that they are not alone. Don’t worry about saying the perfect thing, your presence and support matter most.
- Example: “I know I can’t fully comprehend your feelings, but I want to be here for you and listen.”
Express your concerns.
If you believe they may make impulsive decisions, communicate your worries. The person needs to understand that they hold significance in your life, and you genuinely care.
- Example: I’m concerned that this might not be the best way to resolve the issue and I’ll miss you.”
Ask about their suicide plan.
If the individual has a specific and accessible plan, do not leave them alone, and seek assistance from other friends or family members.
- Example: “How do you think you’ll do it?”
Offer assistance in finding professional help.
Many counselors or therapists can accommodate new patients in emergency situations. Their insurance plan, primary care doctor, or nurse might provide immediate recommendations. If not, encourage them to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.