Suicide Prevention & Awareness

Victoria Young, MS, LPC, NCC

Victoria Young, MS, LPC, NCC

The month of September is dedicated to preventing suicide and instilling hope in communities across the nation. A large focus for Suicide Prevention Month pivots education. Suicide is preventable and one way to prevent suicide is to educate individuals on risk factors, warning signs, how to have conversations with loved ones when they are struggling with suicidal ideation or other somatic features, and provide resources that are available.

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 Though it might seem improbable , suicide affects all people. Within the past year, about 41,000 individuals died by suicide, 1.3 million adults have attempted suicide, 2.7 million adults have had a plan to attempt suicide and 9.3 million adults have had suicidal thoughts. Also, according to the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Data & Statistics Fatal Injury Report for 2019; retrieved February 9, 2021, suicide is the 10th leading causes of death. Figuratively, when conceptualizing the stereotypes within the realm of mental health the current statistics could reflect a substantial increase due to the contemporary mental health stigma which prevents many people from reaching out and asking for help. Being aware of the warning signs could reduce both suicide attempts and deaths. Also, using verbiage free of jargon by asking the simple question, “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” could ultimately save a life.

 Remembering that there is no single reason why someone might contemplate suicide. Suicide does not discriminate by age, gender, wealth, race, religious preference or sexuality. Someone thinking about suicide may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or they may NOT. Someone thinking about suicide may have a variety of life stressors that could include but may not be limited to: grief ( anticipatory, sudden, complicated) financial destitution or lack of economic support, relationship complexities, losing a job, changes in health, or another significant life change.

 What are some warning signs of suicide?

Most common warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide include:

  • Changes in mood

  • Giving away prized possessions

  • Putting final affairs in order

  • Withdrawing

  • Changes in physical appearance

  • Prior suicide attempts

  • Alcohol or drug use

  • High-risk behaviors

  • Making statements with themes of hopelessness, helplessness, and fear of becoming a burden

  • Making verbal suicide threats, such as “I want to die” or “I’m going to kill myself”

  • Feeling like a burden

  • Being isolated

  • Increased anxiety

  • Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

  • Expressing hopelessness

  • Sleeping too little or too much

  • Talking or posting about wanting to die

  • Making plans for suicide

 How can you help someone who might be suicidal?

 If you are concerned about someone, ask them: “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” Or ask, “Are you having thoughts of killing yourself?” Simply asking one of these questions can save a life.

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions  regarding  suicide. One of them is that if you ask a person if they are having thoughts of suicide, you are planting the seed for that individual to engage with self injurious behavior that will contribute to them carrying out their plans for suicide. This is not true. Actually, asking the question opens the door for that person to share personal thoughts, feelings and experiences. If a person is thinking about suicide, STOP, LISTEN, and REACT.  Help that individual access resources. 

Confidential crisis help is available 24/7 by phone:

For more specific resources for those struggling with suicide within the Baton Rouge metropolitan area. 

  • The Bridge Center Baton Rouge
    Website

  • THE PHONE Baton Rouge (225-924-3900)
    24-hour crisis counseling and emotional support line serving the Greater Baton Rouge Area.

  • THE PHONE LSU (225-924-LSU1)
    24-hour crisis counseling and emotional support line serving the students of Louisiana State University (LSU).

  • KIDLINE (1-800-CHILDREN)
    Kidline is an anonymous, toll-free, statewide telephone service offering crisis intervention, support, parenting information and referrals to community resources within the state of Louisiana. KIDLINE counselors are available 24 hours per day – 7 days per week.

  • VIA LINK Call Center (211)
    Capital area, Greater New Orleans Area, and Northshore Website

The signs of crisis is all around us. Society depicts  that someone who is suicidal is a person who is in  a permanent situation.  We must work together to debunk and banish that stigma and stereotype. We must work as a team to help society realize the importance of helping others seek treatment and show individuals the importance of addressing their mental health challenges so suicide is not an option. Eliminating the stigma starts by understanding why suicide occurs, being aware of the warning signs, assisting ones with accessing specific resources for those struggling with suicide, and advocating for mental health awareness within our communities. 

References

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Preventing Suicide. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/pdf/preventing-suicide-factsheet-2021-508.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Suicide rising across the U.S. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/suicide/


Victoria Young, MS, LPC, NCC