Health & Wellness, Suicide: Speak Up and Speak Out

by: Dr. Charla Waxman,BS, MBA, EdD Director of Business Development

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention teaches us that suicide is among the leading causes of death in the United States and that 47,511 Americans died by suicide in 2019. More than 1.3 million suicide attempts were accounted for in 2019 and many more attempts are not even reported. The only way to make a difference is for all of us to speak out and speak up about it.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) tells us that 1 in 5 of us….US, not THEM!....will experience a mental illness in our lifetime. With any mental illness comes the risk of suicide. If you are willing to listen, you will hear people you never expected to have a story about suicide or mental illness, tell about their experiences. Everyone has a connection to someone who needs support for mental illness and many of them have stories of ambivalence about living; many stories never having been shared before. Your willingness to pay attention, listen and ask questions, might just save a life.

Prioritize mental health. Knowing the warning signs can help you recognize someone in trouble. Pay attention to yourself as well. Here are some things to keep in mind that relate to mental health and suicide:

• The reasons for suicide are many. What is trauma to one person may seem like no big deal to another. We are all different and suicidal intentions and discussions about that thinking should have no judgment.

• Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can lead to higher risk.

• Substance use is a common factor in completed suicides. Decisions made while under the influence are often not based on what is best.

• All talk of suicide may mean that there should be an urgency about speaking with someone about what they are thinking. • Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness often identify someone who is ready to give up. Ask about these feelings.

• Indications that someone feels like there is no way out or that their presence, their very existence is a burden to others should be a red flag for suicidal thinking.

• Substance use or increased substance use may show that someone is trying to bolster themselves to complete the act of suicide. It may also simply prove that there is an addiction or deep, unsettling depression or anxiety that someone is trying to relieve. This person needs help and support.

• Moodiness, sleep disturbances, eating issues may all be signs of distress.

• Seeking revenge or having intense anger can let you know someone is struggling, too.

• Pay attention to someone who is pulling back from others and isolating. This person may be considering ending their life.

• Excessive worry and fear or extremely low and sad; feeling like this more often than not can signal a mental illness.

• Confused thinking or delusions or hallucinations a is needed.

• Many physical complaints that are not confirmed as a physical illness may show that mental health is a concern.

•Generally not be able to take care of daily routines like bathing and dressing are possible signs of distress and a mental health concern.

We just passed suicide prevention awareness week. One week is just not enough. You can be aware of mental illness and suicidal intentions in others every day; showing care and compassion and a willingness to listen and help others get the help they need.

There is always hope. Be a good listener. Know your community resources and how to help connect others. Use national hotline numbers like: 1 800 273 talK. There are professionals ready to reach out. Speak up, speak out. Let people know you are there and ready to help. That is enough to make a difference.