By Brian Wingfield, LMFT
September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
According to the CDC, more than 47,000 Americans die from suicide each year and over 1.4 million attempted suicides, in 2019. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in this country.
To help reduce the number of suicides it is important to be able to recognize the signs that put someone in a high-risk category. A person is high-risk if they express statements such as they have no reason to live, they do not want to live anymore. Also, high-risk thoughts include the belief that things would be better if they were not alive, or others would be better off if they were dead.
If you suspect that someone you care about is having suicidal ideation it is important to talk to them and ask questions without judgment. Listening and asking questions can help to deescalate the person and can encourage them to be more open with their communication.
Research indicates that people talking through their thoughts may help reduce suicidal ideation. People are also more likely to feel less depressed after talking about suicide with someone who listens to them without judgment. Help the person who is struggling to stay connected and avoid isolation.
Studies indicate that helping someone create a network of resources and people who are willing and able to help them can reduce feelings of hopelessness. It is also important to help the other person focus on reasons for living.
A lot of people who think about suicide want to end the pain they are currently experiencing but they often do not actually want to die. Some examples of potential reasons for living include family, friends, pets and religion. There are of course many other reasons.
The important thing is to help the other person come up with at least one specific reason for living. If they cannot come up with anything in the moment you can tell them that you care about them and you want them to live.
If you or someone you know is currently struggling with depression or suicidal ideation, please reach out and seek help. Trained professionals are available to help. You may contact Samaritan Counseling Center at 432-563-4144.
