Frequently Asked Questions About Suicide Prevention

By Kelly Swan, President, RITE Trainings

If you’ve been impacted by suicide or a loved one’s suicide attempt, then you know how important it is to be armed with knowledge and compassion around this difficult topic. Due to lingering myths and stigma about suicide, accurate knowledge can be difficult to find. This article will address the following common questions about suicide prevention: Who is at risk? What should I say to someone who might be struggling with thoughts of ending their life? What resources are available to someone who is contemplating suicide?

Who is at risk?

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the USA for youth and young adults ages ten to thirty-four, and middle-aged white males have the highest rate of completed suicide. In 2020, 1.2 million people attempted suicide and 47,000 people died by suicide in the USA. That’s triple the homicide rate for the same year.

One in twenty Americans have had thoughts of suicide in the past two weeks. Anyone struggling with trauma, grief, hopelessness, or a crisis of faith is at increased risk. Persons who feel abandoned or rejected or who are feeling like a burden are at high risk. People who are suffering physically, emotionally, financially, or mentally are at higher risk, too.

About the Author Kelly Swan is an expert on addictive disorders, LGBQT issues, cultural competency, and curriculum development. She is committed to assisting community partners with identifying and implementing effective solutions to the opioid epidemic along with the pervasiveness of homelessness. Ms. Swan is an active member of numerous community groups and a strong community advocate.

What should I say to someone who might be struggling with thoughts of ending their life?

If you are concerned about someone’s risk, a good approach is to tell them what you’ve seen, heard, noticed, or felt that makes you concerned. Then ask very directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” This direct question saves lives. Be ready for whatever answer you get. Breathe deep, keep calm, listen, and accept their reality. Do not contradict, offer platitudes, or judge. Try to walk in their shoes, feel their pain, and offer compassion.

You might ask, “How long have you been feeling this way?” and “Do you have a plan?” These questions will give you a better idea of risk. If this feeling has been wearing them down or if they have a plan and access to lethal means, then their risk is higher, maybe even imminent. In higher risk situations, it is best to call 911 and remove guns, prescription and over the counter medications, rope, poisons, and anything else that can be used lethally from the home.

What resources are available to someone who is contemplating suicide?

For suicidality or any mental health challenge, the National Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be accessed by dialing or texting 988. You can call with someone who is struggling. You might say, “This is bigger than us, and your safety is important. Let’s call this number together.” It’s important that you don’t panic, don’t put yourself in danger, and don’t make any promises you can’t keep.

Please know that you are not alone. Suicide crosses all demographics, faiths, and income levels. Some groups have higher risk, but the factors that indicate risk are human factors and so no one is immune. If you’re concerned, reach out. Have the lifesaving conversation. Connection is prevention.