Suicide Prevention Month
Content warning: Please note that this article on Suicide Prevention Month includes discussion of suicidal ideation and methods and may be triggering for some readers.
Heather Bodurtha, LP, Psychological Testing Director, consulted for this article on Suicide Prevention.
Sadly, suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. According to the CDC, over 49,000 died by suicide in 2022, the last year that data was available. That turns out to be about 1 death every 11 minutes.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and in this article, we’ll discuss the signs of someone struggling with suicidal ideation and evidence-based Five Action Steps to help them.
Related: National Counseling Awareness Month
Signs Someone is Struggling with Suicidal Ideation
First, let’s discuss how you might tell if someone is struggling with suicidal ideation.
While everyone is different, there are several common indicators that someone needs help. According to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, some of the warning signs may be:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings
If you notice any of these signs in a friend or loved one, you can seek help by calling or chatting with the 988 Lifeline.
Additionally, there are also a few other things you can do to help someone who is struggling with suicidal ideation. One of these is called the Five Steps.
Related: 6 Signs of Mental Illness
The Five Steps for Suicide Prevention
Another helpful, evidence-based method is called the Five Action Steps. They are:
- Ask. You may feel nervous about directly asking the question, “Are you thinking about suicide?” but it’s one of the best ways to communicate that you’re not going to judge them and that you’re going to listen.
- Be there. Sometimes, just being there is a powerful way to support someone. You don’t need to have the right words; you can just sit beside them or invite them to spend time with you.
- Keep them safe. If they’ve said they are thinking about suicide, be sure to ask if they have any plans and methods in mind. This will help you know if they need to be kept away from certain household objects or if they need to be brought to the Emergency Room.
- Help them stay connected. Keeping your loved one connected to supports like the 988 Lifeline can be very helpful. Also, if they have a therapist, you can encourage them to reach out for an appointment or phone conversation.
- Follow up. After you have the initial conversation with them, be sure to check up on them by sending a text, giving them a call, or making other plans to spend time together. Again, being there for them can be the most powerful thing you can do for them.
With these Five Action Steps, you can better support a friend or loved one who is struggling with suicidal ideation.
And don’t forget to take care of yourself, too. Supporting a loved one can be emotionally taxing, and you’ll need to find ways to recharge whether that’s journaling, talking to a friend, exercise, or talking to your own therapist.
Related: Panic Attacks: 4 Quick Tips to Help Cope
A Word from Nystrom & Associates on Suicidal Ideation
If you know someone who is thinking of suicide, or if you think you may be experiencing it, please reach out. 988 is a Crisis Lifeline if you need immediate help. And if you need ongoing support and therapy, we’re here to help.
Contact us at 1-844-NYSTROM or request an appointment online. We’ll help you find a therapist or psychiatrist who specializes in suicidal ideation.
Related: How Therapy Helps With Depression
