National Suicide Prevention Month is recognized every September. The month-long effort promotes information and resources to prevent and distinguish signs of suicide and prevent suicide altogether. In North Carolina, one person dies by suicide every six hours and it is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15 through 34. Almost everyone you know has been touched by suicide at some point in their life, including the mental health professionals whose job it is to fight it.
Here, Monarch therapists provide suicide signs to watch for, in terms of what someone might say, do, or feel before making a suicide attempt.
Someone might feel…
- Feelings of hopelessness. They might share that they can’t see their life getting any better, they’ve given up hope, or they’re tired of trying to improve their life.
- Irritability. People often miss irritability as a sign of suicide. Someone might be unusually irritable or frustrated.
- Sadness. This is more typically thought of as a warning sign for suicide, so people are less likely to miss feelings of sadness.
Someone might say…
- Fears of burdening others. People who have been struggling with their mental health or substance use disorders often feel guilty about the impact it has on their loved ones and no longer want to “burden” them, although this may not be how their loved ones feel.
- Expressions of chronic pain. About 20% of people living with chronic pain consider suicide at some point in their lives. They may talk about their chronic pain and how difficult it is to live with.
- Suicidal intentions. Many people share their intention to die by suicide before actually doing it. Often, they intend to go through with their actions.
Monarch therapists note that depression can distort perceptions of reality and reduce someone’s ability to make a sound decision. It is important to generally look out for mentions of depression, as this puts loved ones at higher risk.
Someone might do…
- Use substances to an unhealthy degree. Often, people who are contemplating suicide have simultaneous mental health struggles, including substance use disorders. If you notice them misusing or abusing substances, this is an important sign to note.
- Clean out possessions, giving away items or money. People may begin to give away possessions or money, stating that they don’t need those items anymore.
- Withdraw from normal activity. Often, people may withdraw from normal activities as they struggle with depression and thoughts of suicide. Typical daily behavior may change.
What you can do…
- For immediate assistance: If someone’s life is in danger, dial 9-1-1. To find out more information about Monarch’s available services, call (866) 272-7826 or visit www.monarchnc.org for service locations across North Carolina. Other suicide telephone resources include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, available by dailing 9-8-8.
- Visit the following websites: the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI; and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
- If you are grieving the loss of a loved one who died by suicide: Loved ones of someone who die by suicide often blame themselves. It’s important to remember that you are not responsible or to blame for your loved one’s death by suicide.
“Suicide is jolting and its impact on those closest to the person who passed away can be profound,” Monarch experts acknowledge. “Please remember, you are not responsible for your loved one’s suicide or their actions. If you need some support, seek a mental health professional to help guide you through your grief.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8 for crisis support. Monarch therapists are available to provide support and treatment. Call (877) 272-7826 for information.