Suicide Prevention: Nurturing Hope and Seeking Help

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and bringing this topic to light is essential. While I am not a mental health professional, I have some experience. Talking about suicide is uncomfortable, it's sad, it's scary, it's not easy, but it is crucial. It could save a life. I have known a few people who have died by suicide, and it saddens me that they felt unloved, unwanted, and so tortured that the only relief they thought they could get was death. 

If only someone contemplating suicide knew they could get help for their problems, the pain is temporary. If someone contemplating suicide has hope that things can get better and has future goals, then it could save their life. Suicide, a tragic consequence of untreated mental health issues, is a global concern that demands urgent attention. One of my goals is to break the stigma surrounding mental health; it's essential to understand the importance of suicide prevention and what individuals can do if they or someone they know is struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Recognizing the Signs

Identifying the signs of suicidal thoughts is an essential step in providing timely assistance. 

While each individual's experience is unique, common signs may include:

Expressing a Desire to Die: Directly or indirectly talking about wanting to die or end one's life. They may even joke about death or bring it up unconsciously.

Isolation and Withdrawal: Suddenly withdrawing from friends, family, and activities once enjoyed.

Drastic Mood Swings: Frequent and extreme shifts in mood, often accompanied by feelings of hopelessness or despair.

Giving Away Possessions: Gifting cherished belongings and making arrangements as if preparing for the end.

Increased Substance Abuse: Escalated use of drugs or alcohol as a way to cope.

Sudden Calmness: A sudden sense of calmness after a period of inner turmoil may indicate a decision has been made.

Prevention Strategies: What Can Be Done

Suicide prevention requires a multi-faceted approach involving individuals, families, and communities. Here are some strategies that can help:

Encourage Open Dialogue: Creating a safe space for conversations about mental health reduces stigma and encourages those struggling to share their feelings. Don't be afraid to talk about suicide or use the word suicide. It's okay to ask in a safe space, "Are you having suicidal thoughts?"

Stay Connected: Maintaining strong social connections and checking in on loved ones regularly can help combat feelings of isolation.

Seek Professional Help: Encourage individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts to reach out to mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists. Help them find these contacts, if applicable. 

Promote Mental Wellness: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and stress-reduction techniques contribute to overall mental well-being.

Know Emergency Resources: Familiarize yourself with crisis helplines (988), both local and national, that can provide immediate support. Don't be afraid to call these helplines for yourself or a loved one. I have called the suicide hotline a few times for others, and they were very helpful.

Create a Safety Plan: A safety plan is a structured strategy to manage difficult moments and prevent acting on harmful thoughts. The number one risk factor for suicide is access to means (especially combined with impulsivity). As such, the number one measure for a safety plan is limiting access to means (i.e., putting safety locks on guns, limiting access to medications/pills, etc.). Work with a mental health professional to create a personalized plan that includes emergency contacts, coping strategies, activities to distract yourself, things that bring you joy, reasons for living, and steps to take when you feel overwhelmed. You can save it in your "notes" section on your phone or paper.

If you're grappling with suicidal thoughts, remember you don't have to face this battle alone. Contact someone you trust—a friend, family member, or mental health professional. Communicating your feelings and allowing others to support you through your struggles is crucial. If you are struggling, remember that things can get better with the proper help and resources. If you are on the receiving end, please listen non-judgmentally to the person struggling; it's not easy for them to discuss this issue.  

Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are here for a reason. Remember the miracle that you are. There are ways to ease your pain; it just takes a little time and effort. Don't give up. You are loved and needed, even if your mind makes you believe you are not. Trust me, you are. It always gets better; hang in there—one step at a time.

Until next time, take care of yourself.

Suicide & Crisis Hotline: 988

♡ Massoma