This National Suicide Prevention Week, learn the signs someone is at risk for suicide

This year marks National Suicide Prevention Week, running from September 4th to September 10th, as part of the Month of Suicide Awareness. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 46,000 individuals in the United States died by suicide in 2020, equating to one death every 11 minutes.

Worldwide, nearly 800,000 people take their own lives annually, with 1.2 million attempting suicide in 2020. Justin Baker, clinical director of the Veterans Suicide and Trauma Reduction Program at the Wexner Medical Center of the Ohio State University, shared his insights, stating that researchers have yet to find a way to predict who might attempt suicide or is at risk.

"It's very, very difficult," Baker admitted. "If someone attempts or dies, you can look back and say, 'Look at all these things that happened in their life.' But the issue is multiple people deal with those stress factors or experience them, but not all of them attempt suicide," Baker said. "The window can be very, very short."

Experts warn that signs of impending suicide might not necessarily be obvious – some individuals may appear normal or behave as usual, while others may exhibit changes in behavior that don't match their usual patterns. Special attention should be paid to the following behavioral changes, verbal signals, and emotional risk factors, as identified by psychologists and mental health organizations:

Verbal cues to watch out for:

1. Talking about wanting to die or committing suicide
2. Direct threats to harm or kill oneself

Behavioral changes:

1. Practicing self-harm or preparing for it, such as abusing weapons, pills, or other potentially dangerous objects
2. Concentrating on death, including bringing up, writing about, drawing, or posting online topics related to death or suicide
3. Having a detailed plan for an attempt, which increases the risk if that plan is in place

Emotional risk factors:

1. Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, or sad
2. Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
3. Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
4. Exhaustion, low energy
5. Feeling anxious, restless, or irritable
6. Physical pain without a medical cause
7. Struggling to focus or make decisions
8. Not wanting to be around others
9. Thoughts of death or suicide

Other risk factors to consider:

1. Substance misuse
2. Previous suicide attempts
3. A family history of depression or suicide
4. Major loss (death, relationship, home)
5. Events causing shame, guilt, or disgrace
6. Physical health problems, including chronic pain
7. Exposure to someone else's suicidal behavior
8. Easy access to suicide means
9. Being impulsive or isolated

Environmental and social stressors:

1. Bullying, harassment, unemployment, financial stress, divorce, and death
2. Stress, isolation, and bias

If you observe any of these warning signs, it's essential to take immediate action. Contacting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (dial 988 in the United States) or reaching out to one of the national resources listed below can provide crucial support:

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• The Trevor Project: Text START to 678-678

By recognizing these warning signs, you can potentially help save lives. If you or someone you know is at risk, seek help immediately.