Suicide Awareness and Prevention

• Suicide rates have increased in our country in the last two decades and in 2021 it was listed as the 11th leading cause of death in our society. (National Institute of Mental Health)
• Suicide ranges between the 2^nd and 3^rd highest causes of death for young people between the ages of 10-34, according to the National Institute of Mental Health and cited in MedicalNewsToday.
• The State of Oklahoma currently has the 7th highest suicide rate per capita in the country, according to the CDC.

This is a hard topic, but because of these stats, we are recirculating an article on suicide awareness, prevention and intervention. If you read no further than this, please note the that by dialing 988 you can reach the suicide hotline, equipped with trained professionals ready to provide resources for immediate help. This is available in Oklahoma but it is also a nationwide network of resources and intervention to help at risk individuals.

Awareness

Statistically, women have more suicide attempts, while men have higher completion rates. Certain populations have higher rates of suicide, however, suicide crosses all demographics. 

Many, if not most, people have experienced dark times in life that have led them down a dark path.  When a person is depressed, everything can be experienced through a lense of darkness and hopelessness: Our relationships, our outlook on life, and our future, can all seem bleak and hopeless. Even our relationship with God can feel distant. The ability to feel joy, hope, purpose and worth are all compromised by this dark lense. Depression and suicidal thoughts can be treated with great success though, through counseling, increasing support making some lifestyle changes and occasionally medications. Occasionally, hospitalization is necessary.

The following are symptoms of depression and suicidal risk. Those starred with an asterisk are more serious and may suicidal risk.

•  Sad or depressed mood,

•  Loosing interest in things one used to care about

•  Changes in normal behavior, like difficulty sleeping or eating

•  Chronic pain or illness

•  Isolating oneself, withdrawing from others

•  *Statements about being hopeless, worthless, or a burden

•  *Statements like "I wish I wasn't here" or "I wish I was dead."

•  *Talking about killing oneself, self-harm, or suicide in general; preoccupation with death.

•  *Substance abuse

•  *Having firearms in the home

•  *History of suicide attempts (personally); family history of suicide

Note: No one symptom in and of itself indicates suicidality, with the exception of direct threats, but more symptoms present indicate higher risk.

Prevention and Intervention - How to talk to someone who is depressed or potentially suicidal and identify risk:

Contrary to a common belief, studies show that asking a person who is in pain about suicidality does not increase their risk of suicide. If anything, you are entering into their pain with them and acknowledging that you care about them and their well-being. Suicide and depression are two mental health issues that flourish in isolation and darkness.  Your presence, care and questions will help them to feel less alone. If you don’t feel equipped, connect them with a health professional. Resources are listed at the end of the article.

Here are some possible ways to ask those difficult questions:

• I know you have gone through a lot recently, have you experienced any thoughts or feelings of depression or even thought of suicide or causing harm to yourself?
• Have you ever had any suicidal thoughts or attempts in the past? (Past threats/attempts can increase risk). If yes, ask:
• When did you most recently think self-harm suicide?
• Have you ever thought of how you would hurt yourself or end your life? (Do they have a plan)
• On a scale of 1-10 how likely are you to act on this plan? (Also ask if they have the means to carry out the plan?)

If a person answers yes to any of the above questions, contact your health professional or a mental health professional to assess. Thoughts, do not in and of themselves indicate the need for hospitalization or even medications. But a skilled professional can help you or your loved one navigate a plan for recovery. You may need to set the appointment and make sure someone can accompany the person. 

Additional Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain from National Institute of Mental Health's website https://www.nimh.nih.gov: 

1. Keep them safe: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. Ask the at-risk person if they have a plan and remove or disable the lethal means.
2. Be there: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce suicidal thoughts.
3. Help them connect:
4. The Mental Health Lifeline: call 988. Website is https://988Oklahoma.com 
5. The www.JasonFoundation.com also has excellent resources.
6. Additionally, help them expand their support system by connecting them to a trusted family member, pastor, friend, medical doctor, counselor, etc.
7. Stay Connected: Studies show that suicide deaths go down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.
8. If the risk is immediate either go to an ER, call 911, or reach out to the suicide prevention line 988.

A note for Believers to the broken-hearted: 

First, remember you are not alone. Suicide is NEVER the answer. Jesus Cares.  He says you are worthy. He says you have a purpose. Just because the lense of depression and hopelessness cover your view of the light, doesn't mean it isn’t there. There is hope. You just might not be seeing it accurately.  Psalm 34:18.  And, your life matters. God created you and He loves YOU. Nothing can separate you from His Love. Romans 8:38-39. There is hope.

If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts or find yourself wishing you weren’t here anymore, please remember there is lots of help and hope. Depression and suicidality are both very treatable conditions.  You can contact your healthcare professional, or Transforming Life’s mainline at 405-246-5433 or call 988 or 911 if in immediate danger. 

Author: Michelle Garrett, LMFT. Michelle is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a clinical member at Transforming Life Counseling Center