Understanding Suicidality

Suicidality is the second leading cause of death in the United States, with nearly 24,000 individuals dying by suicide in 2022, according to the CDC. Globally, this number reaches around 700,000. Contrary to common belief, the rise in suicide rates has been a consistent trend since 2000, and not solely a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to this 2021 article on the American Psychological Association, most of these sufferers did not see a healthcare professional prior to their deaths. What more can we know to help us in understanding suicidality?

There is a critical need for more education, awareness and destigmatization around suicidality. If we all could have the common knowledge of risk factors, signs and symptoms, the consequential prevention would save so many lives from getting cut too short, too quickly.

Understanding suicidality and the risk factors.

If someone is self-harming, it does not necessarily mean that they want to attempt to end their life.

Self harm behaviors are acts to manage emotions. Albeit not healthy, it does not necessarily mean suicidal ideations. While it’s important to seek medical attention and diagnosis for both, the recommended treatment for self-harm will consist of learning better coping strategies.

Suicidality treatment requires reducing immediate risks, addressing hopelessness and discussing reasons for living. In addition, experts will treat underlying mental health conditions, like depression. Suicidality requires crisis intervention, followed by ongoing care.

Key risk factors for suicidality include:

Depression and anxiety: At the root of the hopelessness is severe depression and often anxiety.
History of abuse: Experiences of emotional, physical or sexual abuse raise the risk of suicide.
Family history: A family history that includes suicide or mental health issues can predispose individuals to similar struggles.
Substance use: Substance use will add to depression, anxiety, delusional thinking and more. The use of substances dramatically increase suicidality.
Marginalized communities: Members of marginalized groups, such as racial minorities and LGBTQ+ individuals, face higher suicide rates due to society’s lack of tolerance.
Prior suicide attempts: If a person has a history of previous attempts, it can be and indicator of future risk.

Recognizing these factors is important for early intervention, prevention and support.

Some early warning signs of suicidality can include:

Expressing a desire to die: Statements about wanting to end one’s life or feeling hopeless.
Suicidal ideation: Frequent thoughts or discussions about suicide, including planning.
Substance abuse: Increased use of drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Feelings of hopelessness or purposelessness: Believing there’s no reason to live or feeling trapped. Feeling like a burden to others, or wanting to solve the problem of overwhelming pain.
Anxiety or agitation: Severe restlessness or inability to sleep.
Social withdrawal: Isolating from friends, family, and activities the person once enjoyed.
Significant changes: Dramatic changes in mood, such as sudden calmness after depression. Changes in sleep or appetite.
Reckless behavior: Engaging in risky activities without concern for consequences.
Settling affairs: Giving away prized possessions or making amends unexpectedly.

The power of open dialogue.

A significant barrier to suicide prevention is the stigma associated with discussing it. Many fear that bringing it up will only result in judgements or that the other will react in a way that isn’t helpful. Research shows the opposite is true. Open conversations about suicide can reduce feelings of isolation and encourage individuals to seek help. And it is best when the listeners respond with empathy, care and no judgements.

Language can help in these discussions. Terms like “commit suicide” carry connotations of creating a criminal act or sin. These terms can potentially reinforce feelings of shame. Alternative terms such as “die by suicide” or “end one’s life” sound more compassionate when speaking about this heavy topic.

Effective suicide prevention include and are not limited to, these approaches:

Education: Raising awareness about suicide, its risk factors and warning signs helps communities offer early support systems.
Access to mental health care: Communities must ensure availability of mental health resources, including therapy and crisis intervention.
Reducing access to means: Taking measures to limit the person’s access to common means of suicide, such as firearms or toxic substances, can prevent impulsive attempts.
Community support: Building strong support networks within communities provides members with a sense of belonging and purpose. Belonging and purpose are protective factors against suicide.

Addressing suicidality requires a multifaceted approach. This approach includes understanding risk factors, allowing for open and stigma-free conversations, and implementing prevention strategies. By educating communities, we can create a supportive environment that encourages individuals to seek help. When help is seeked out early, incidences of suicidality are greatly reduced.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, in the U.S., you can call or text 988 or go to 988lifeline.org to chat online with a lifeline counselor.

At Therapeutic Educational Consulting, we help guide, support and recommend for all kinds of therapeutic programs for mental health including suicidality and depression. Schedule a no-cost discovery call with a therapeutic consultant to discuss options.

Photo credit, Chris Gorgio