What To Do If Someone Feels Suicidal

What To Do If Someone Feels Suicidal – Experts shed light on what leads a person to suicidal thoughts or actions, and how friends and family can help.

Many Americans have experienced the devastating effects of suicide. Some have had a family member or friend take their own life. Some may have experienced suicidal thoughts or thoughts.

What To Do If Someone Feels Suicidal

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is the second leading cause of death among 18- to 24-year-olds and claims more than 45,000 lives each year. That number makes suicide the 10th leading cause of death overall, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And many experts believe that the 45,000 may represent half of the actual deaths due to premature death. This number will rise to nearly 100,000 deaths by suicide each year.

Help For Suicidal Thoughts

Despite the number of murders and the number of murders in the whole country, people do not know much else about murders. Who is at risk? What are the warning signs? More importantly, how can you help someone who is thinking about suicide?

“Suicide is any situation in which a person dies by using themselves in some way,” says Richard Shelton, MD, professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology. “We know that suicide does not discriminate – it affects people of all races, genders, religions, social classes and backgrounds – with a culture where people feel that their lives are not worth living or that they are hurting others. are difficult for.”

Shelton said 80 percent or more of people who die by suicide are dealing with some form of depression, while the remaining 10 to 15 percent are dealing with other mental health issues. Statistically, women are more likely to attempt suicide than men; But men are five times more likely to die by suicide. Women often take what can be considered something that can be reversed with more testing or cutting the wrist. Men often resort to violent measures, such as shooting or strangling themselves.

“People are often forced to take their own lives as a result of a stressful event, whether breakup, financial crisis, job loss, death of a loved one, or abuse or trauma,” Shelton said. . “Suicide can be spontaneous or carefully planned, it is often difficult for family members or friends to notice that their loved one may be suffering from an intractable pain, because it is not surprising that it will be normal before their death.”

Observing And Recognizing The Signs

In particular, the most common cause of suicide among young people is the bullying they can participate in at school. Vulnerable populations, including the LGTBQ community and veterans, are at risk for suicide due to the social environment and trauma they experience.

Suicide can be complicated, says Angela Stowe, Ph.D., director of student counseling services. Often, a person in crisis may not want to die, but instead may want relief from the problems they are facing.

“Most people who consider suicide as an option have a fear of dying — they don’t necessarily want to die, but they want to get away from the pain and suffering that is bothering them,” Stowe said. “Deep depression and a sense of purposelessness contribute a lot to the condition a person can be in.”

“I’ve told patients it’s the difference between a spring rain and a storm,” Shelton said. “With a spring rain you know it will pass and the sun will come out; but in a storm there seems to be no end in sight. For those who have suicidal thoughts, it can feel like they will never get over a storm; but we know that almost everyone who is thinking about suicide will start to feel better if they get medical help and/or medication.”

Suicide And Self Harm

According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK), the following symptoms may indicate suicide risk. However, it is important to note that each person may have different answers and symbols to remember:

Suicide can be prevented, and people can get the care and treatment they need to help them through difficult times.

Shelton explained that, while more than 75 percent of people who are suicidal do not currently seek treatment or treatment, there is an 80 percent chance that people will begin to feel better after just one experience with a doctor.

“We know that medical intervention — whether it’s with a primary care physician or a psychiatrist — is effective and helps people at risk feel less isolated,” Shelton said. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach to helping a suicidal person get the care they need; but there are many options that can help manage the anxiety, depression and reduce stress that leads to suicide. Doers can feel.”

Responding To Suicide Risk (chapter 7)

Suicidal people should go to the emergency room immediately. If people want to seek outpatient treatment, Shelton says the best first step in a medical practice is to see a primary care physician. From there they can initiate treatment and direct the person in need to the next appropriate course of action and often follow that process directly.

According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, there are five ways people can help a friend or family member who may be suicidal:

Asking someone if they are suicidal is one of the first ways to help someone in need. Many people fear that asking a question will make them crazy or suicidal, but Stowe points out that showing concern and being willing to help has a positive effect.

“It’s a myth that you can plant the seeds of suicide in a person’s heart,” Stowe said. “I suggest that when you ask if a loved one is thinking about suicide, say, ‘Are you thinking about suicide? I love you and I want to help you get the care you need.’ “

Why Do People Feel Suicidal?

The average person has many educational opportunities to access if they feel they know someone who is suicidal. For example, QPR – Ask, Persuade, Return – Suicide Prevention Training is a national program that teaches participants the warning signs of suicide, how to persuade someone to seek help and where to refer them. A , QPR training is offered to all, medicine and VIVA staff, and more information / learning can be found at

This step can be taken practically, by helping the depressed person to stay calm in some way. For example, removing guns, sharp objects or drugs from the home or home of the suicide victim, or not leaving the person alone. This can be staying with the person or taking them to the hospital – keeping them safe is a fluid concept, but it’s important.

During this vulnerable time, it is important for the suicidal person to know that they are not alone, physically and emotionally. As mentioned, there can mean many things, such as being with someone during a challenging time or checking in to make sure they are not alone.

This also means not trying to talk the person out of the situation by saying, “You really don’t want to kill yourself,” but rather telling them that they are strong and loved.

How To Support Someone Feeling Suicidal

Stowe points out that while empathy can go a long way, there are times when well-intentioned comments can be hurtful. “Here in the South, we hear a lot of people say ‘I’m praying for you,’ and they really mean it; but religion can be a reason for a person in a suicidal situation,” Stowe said. .

Anyone can help a person find ways to kill themselves in their immediate community, whether it’s on campus, in a hospital, or with a community agency. This could be physically driving your loved one to their first doctor’s appointment, or helping them dial a phone number.

A , students can get help through the Student Counseling Service, while employees are encouraged to seek help through the Personnel Support and Advice Center. On September 17, she will host the Community Health Center from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Hill Student Center Alumni Theater. Community members can participate in suicide-related discussions with campus leaders and experts.

In Birmingham, contacting a crisis center is the first step for anyone in an immediate crisis. The 24-hour hotline can be reached at 205-323-7777.

How To Use The Suicide And Crisis Lifeline Number 988

Nationally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a great resource for anyone in need. It has many resources for those who consider suicide as an option, but also for people who are interested in helping a friend. The 24-hour hotline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The Community Counseling Clinic provides services for a variety of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship conflicts, grief and loss, recent recovery from alcoholism, self-esteem issues, adjustment issues,

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