Recognizing The Signs of Suicide

Who likes talking about suicide? It’s uncomfortable.

• One third of Americans know someone who has died by suicide (yougov.com)
• There is one death by suicide in the US every 12 minutes. (CDC)
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US for all ages. (CDC)
• Every day, approximately 123 Americans die by suicide. (CDC)
• Suicide takes the lives of over 44,965 Americans every year. (CDC)

That’s why I want to talk about it.
Looking at those stats is overwhelming and shocking. So what can we do? We can check in on those around us and know what to look for so we can recognize the signs of suicide.

• Extreme moods swings
• Reckless behaviors
• Increasing the use of alcohol or substances
• Talking/joking about killing yourself
• Giving away your favorite belonging/rehoming a loved pet
• Saying you are a burden/hopeless/have no purpose
• Social isolation
• Making financial plans
• Verbal warnings: i.e. “you’ll miss me when I’m gone”
• Looking for means to commit suicide with

 
What can you do?
If you are worried about someone you love asking about their wellbeing could be a matter of life or death. Check in on your friends and family. Ask how they are doing, ask how you can support them and never keep someone’s plan for suicide a secret. There is always hope. There are emergency resources available for those who need them.
 
If you find yourself in a situation where you are feeling hopeless or you are identifying with any of the behaviors or thoughts mentioned in this article, there is no need to be ashamed, there is help for you. Contact your mental health provider today if you do not have one please contact us and we will set you up with the appropriate therapist for your needs.

If you are currently having serious thoughts of harming yourself or have a plan to harm yourself or commit suicide, you need to get help right now.

If you are in the U.S. you can call 911 or The National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255).
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​Written By:​
Kimberly Hansley, LPC-Intern
Supervised By: Jeanne Williams, LPC-S

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