Suicide Awareness

We must bring attention and sensitivity to the conversation around the serious matter of suicide prevention.

My weekly podcast, “Grow Your Guru,” premiered with an episode featuring Common Ground, a 24-hour crisis services agency. During this episode we talked about suicide awareness and prevention and what steps you can take.

According to a recent study by the CDC:

• Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States.
• Nearly 45,000 lives were lost to suicide in 2016.
• Suicide was the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 54.
• There were more than twice as many suicides in the US as there were homicides
• More than half of the people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition.
• Suicide rates have increased in almost every state – over 31% in Michigan.

Suicide has been a taboo subject for too long. Please speak up and reach out if you, a loved one, or a friend, are going through a crisis and need any sort of help – even just a listening ear. Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention, and should not be ignored.

Top 10 Signs and Symptoms

1. Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves.
2. Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live.
3. Talking about great guilt or shame.
4. Talking about being a burden to others.
5. Using alcohol or drugs more often.
6. Withdrawing from family and friends.
7. Changing eating and/or sleeping habits.
8. Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
9. Giving away important possessions.
10. Saying goodbye to friends and family.

Suicide does not discriminate. Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide. Men are more likely to use deadlier methods, such as firearms or suffocation. Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide by poisoning.

Recent figures released by the CDC show that the highest rate of suicide deaths among women is found between ages 45 and 64, while the highest rate for men occurs at ages 75+. Children and young adults also are at risk for suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 34.

It’s time to stop judging and start listening. This CDC Fact Sheet outlines what communities and individuals can do to identify and support people at risk.

If You Know Someone in Crisis

Ask: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

Call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to everyone.

The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential.

In future posts, I’ll offer continuing insight on subject of suicide. I’ll explore why it’s so hard to talk about (both in and out of therapy), the impact on survivors, the societal stigma, and other issues that must be part of our ongoing effort to confront this growing crisis.