With Dr. Robert McHale, Monarch Medical Director
Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects millions of people every year. In fact, more people in the United States die from suicide than from car accidents. Suicide is now one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that suicide rates have increased by 25% over nearly two decades. This is a troubling trend, and 25 states, including North Carolina (NC), have seen a rise in suicides. For example, NC saw a 12.7% increase in suicide rates.
What is suicide?
Suicide is when someone intentionally ends their own life through harmful actions. It is different from a suicide attempt, which is when someone tries to take their life but does not die from their actions. Suicidal ideation refers to thinking about or planning suicide, even if a person doesn’t act on it.
Warning Signs of Suicide
It’s important to recognize the warning signs that someone may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. Dr. Robert McHale, a medical director at Monarch, highlights several behaviors that may indicate a person is at risk:
- Relapsing into substance use or increasing use of alcohol or drugs.
- Ignoring treatment or advice from medical professionals.
- Losing interest in activities they once enjoyed.
- Withdrawing from others or feeling isolated.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Saying goodbye to loved ones.
- Giving away personal belongings.
If you notice these signs in someone, encourage them to seek professional help immediately.
Early Treatment of Anxiety, Depression
Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, are very common. The good news is that these conditions are treatable. People who get the help they need can recover and lead happy, productive lives. They do not need to lead to a mental health crisis that may include suicide.
Dr. McHale also emphasizes the importance of maintaining overall well-being. This includes taking care of both physical and mental health. To stay healthy, it’s important to have a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and build emotional coping skills. Staying connected to friends, family and the community is also crucial.
Regular Mental Health Checkups
Just like you would check your blood pressure or get cancer screenings, it’s a good idea to check on your mental health regularly. Many doctors now screen for mental health issues during regular visits, asking about your lifestyle, eating and drinking habits and emotional wellness. Checking your mental health can help catch problems early, before they become more serious.
Mental Health Resources
There are many organizations that provide helpful resources for mental health and suicide prevention:
By prioritizing mental health and raising awareness about suicide prevention we can all help create a supportive community for those in need.
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or needs mental health support, there are resources available. You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 9-8-8 for 24/7 support. You can also call Monarch assistance during business hours at (866) 272-7826, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.