Suicide: Take it Seriously!

September is Suicide Prevention Month. This is a month of educating individuals about suicide and remembering the lives of those who have completed suicide. I titled this blog “Suicide: Take it Seriously” because of my many encounters with individuals who have shrugged off signs and symptoms of loved ones only to regret it.

What are the Facts?

According to the CDC, in 2020, Suicide was:
The 10th leading cause of death for ages 5-9.
The 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-14.
The 3rd leading cause of death for ages 15-24.
The 2nd leading cause of death for ages 25-34.
The 4th leading cause of death for ages 35-44.
The 7th leading cause of death for ages 45-54.
The 9th leading cause of death for ages 55-64.

Something to note is what the CDC defines as unintentional injury. Poisoning, Motor Vehicle Related, Other Injuries, Drowning, Suffocation, and Falls all make up the Unintentional Injury. The truth is we may never know how many suicides actually take place because in order for a death to be declared suicide, there has to be concrete evidence. If I intentionally drowned or intentionally used my car as a means of suicide, it may not be marked as a suicide if I had no note, etc. Regardless of the numbers, even one suicide is too many. Why? Because it is preventable.

What are the Signs?

Suicide is one of the most preventable causes of death if a person’s ideations are identified by others. This is why it is important to know the signs and to take them seriously.

1. Suicidal Threats
   • “I don’t want to live anymore.”
   • “This world is better off without me.”
2. Depression
   • Isolating from others
   • Mood swings
   • Feeling trapped or hopeless
   • It is important to note that if you suffer with depression, it does not mean you suffer with suicidal ideations.
3. Previous Suicide Attempts
   • Individuals with a history of attempting suicide are at a higher risk of attempting suicide again.
4. Final Arrangements
   • Making sure finances are in order.
   • Picking a person to be head of estate.
   • Planning your funeral.
   • **Note: At some point in life, funeral arrangements are usually made like buying a cemetery plot, etc. (These actions are usually normal.)
5. Being Preoccupied by Death/Dying
   • In language, movies, etc.
6. Increased Risky Behaviors
   • Drinking while driving
   • Using larger amounts of drugs
   • Speeding at a higher rate
7. Giving Away Belongings
   • Some people tend to give away really valuable items to their friends or strangers because “they won’t need them any longer.”
8. Final Goodbyes/Making Amends
   • Saying goodbye to individuals as if they won’t be seen again.
   • Apologizing to individuals that people may have wronged or making sure individuals’ friendships are good.
9. Purchasing/Stockpiling the Means
   • Buying firearms or weapons with no reason.
   • Stockpiling prescriptions
10. “I’m Fine”
    • Sometimes individuals are good at masking symptoms. Looking out for something not of the ordinary can be lifesaving.

Where to Turn?

• Call “988” which is the National Suicide & Crisis Hotline!
• Visit your local Emergency Room.
• If not in immediate crisis, make an appointment with a therapist (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists)