The tragedy of suicide devastates thousands of families in the US each year. Recent data on suicide estimates that around 48,000 Americans die each year from suicide. Additionally, approximately 1.4 million Americans attempt suicide annually.
During National Suicide Prevention Week, people and organizations work together to share the important message that suicide is preventable. Trained professionals can help people overcome challenges and mental health conditions that contribute to suicidal thoughts, and each person can develop hope for the future. National Suicide Prevention Week runs from September 6th to September 12th, and the week is part of the broader activity around World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th.
In this article, we discuss common warning signs that may indicate a person has suicidal thoughts, and we also discuss important risk factors of suicide. We then share how individuals can take an active role in National Suicide Prevention Week and help prevent suicide in their communities. Additionally, we share mental health treatment programs that may help an at-risk individual get in control of their mental health challenges.
Warning signs of suicide and risk factors
Everyone expresses their internal struggles differently, and there is no definitive sign that a person is at risk of suicide. However, there are several warning signs that are fairly common among at-risk people, and they may indicate that an individual needs help and support. Common suicide warning signs include the following:
- The person withdraws from their social circles and avoids social events. The person may stop enjoying their hobbies or other activities.
- The person appears to be making plans for death, such as drafting a will. Note that plan-making behavior, such as selling possessions or giving stuff away, may not be immediately obvious as a suicide risk.
- The person engages in dangerous behavior and appears to have a disregard for their safety. Dangerous behavior can include drunk driving, reckless driving, substance abuse, and unsafe sex.
- The person exhibits mood swings, irritability, and changes to sleeping and eating patterns. These changes may indicate the person is struggling with mental health conditions that can lead to suicide.
In addition to exhibiting some of the above warning signs, some people may also have several risk factors for suicide. Risk factors for suicide include:
- Knowing someone who committed suicide or a family history of suicide.
- A history of trauma or an abusive childhood.
- Recently losing a spouse.
- Facing significant financial or legal troubles.
If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts or may be at risk of suicide, help is just a phone call away. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at +1 (800) 273-8255. After calling the number, individuals can speak with a trained professional about their situation and challenges. The caller can then receive guidance on how to stay safe and where to get help.
Ways to take action during National Suicide Prevention Week
If a friend or family member may be at risk of suicide, you can take action and work to support the individual. One useful method for engaging with at-risk individuals is the #BeThe1To campaign's five steps: (1) ask, (2) be there, (3) keep them safe, (4) help them connect, and (5) follow up. Evidence from suicide prevention research supports each step's effectiveness, and you can follow each step to help prevent suicide in your community.
A second way to participate in National Suicide Prevention Week is by participating in a suicide-prevention social media campaign. You can download suicide-prevention images and graphics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. You can then share that content with your social media following to help raise awareness of suicide and the importance of suicide prevention. While sharing content on social media is simple, it can have a meaningful impact - your actions can remind at-risk people that help is available.
How Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital can help prevent suicide
Help is available to people who suffer from mental health conditions. Tragically, some people wrongly conclude that suicide is the only solution to dealing with overwhelming mental health problems. These individuals need to know that mental health treatment is an option, and recovery is possible.
At Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, we offer a range of mental health care treatment programs to help at-risk individuals. We offer:
- Inpatient mental health treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs
- Psychiatric residential treatment for adolescents
To get started at Reno Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, the first step is to call our team at (775) 393-2201. We can help answer any questions you may have about our behavioral health hospital, and we can help schedule you or a loved one for a free mental health assessment.
Remember that if you or an individual is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, call 911 right away. In some situations, individuals require the immediate, in-person assistance of trained first responders.