Know the risk factors and warning signs to help prevent a suicide
Suicide takes the life of more than 47,000 Americans and close to 800,000 people worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
For each suicide, there were more than 20 attempts, WHO reported. September is National Suicide Prevention Month to help promote suicide prevention awareness, and the actions we all can take to prevent suicide.
There’s no single cause for suicide, but there are some risk factors and some warning signs that could help save someone’s life. A suicidal person may not ask for help, but it doesn’t mean that they won’t accept help. People who are suicidal don’t necessarily want to die, they just want to not be in pain
Risk factors
The characteristics or conditions that could indicate a future suicide attempt can fall under three categories: health, environmental and historic, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Health factors include mental health conditions, some of which may be undiagnosed, such as bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety and others. Serious physical health conditions, especially with pain, can also be a factor.
Environmental factors include access to the means of suicide, such as firearms or drugs; prolonged stress, bullying or relationship problems; stressful life events like divorce, financial crisis or unemployment; and exposure to another person’s suicide or graphic depictions or accounts of suicide.
Historical factors are previous attempts, a family history of suicide or background of abuse, neglect or trauma.
Warning signs
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention says suicide warning signs can be found in a person’s talk, behavior and/or mood.
Talk of suicide should always be taken seriously but it’s more than just that. If a person talks of feeling hopeless or trapped, having no reason to live or being a burden to others, those might point to suicidal thoughts. Discussion of pain that is unbearable, whether it’s emotional or physical, can also be an indicator of suicidal tendencies.
Another sign of suicide could be a drastic change in behavior, or an entirely new behavior – something that’s out of character. Behaviors that may indicate a suicide risk include increased use of drugs or alcohol, social isolation and withdrawal, sleeping too much or too little or giving away prized possessions.
A person’s mood can also be a warning sign for suicide. If a previously optimistic, confident person becomes depressed and anxious, that could be an indicator. A loss of interest in life, drastic and sudden mood swings and irritability can also be a warning sign. An additional sign could a sudden improvement in mood, or relief. A person who has decided to attempt suicide may feel relieved that the pain they feel will be ending, leading to improved mood.
Recognizing the warning signs and risk factors can be the best way to prevent suicide. If you think a family member or friend is suicidal, you may be able to help prevent it by taking appropriate action.
Respond by pointing out the alternatives to suicide, show them that you care and get a support system, including a doctor or psychologist, involved in the person’s care.
Carey Willman is a family medicine nurse practitioner for Aurora Health Center in Two Rivers, WI. To contact her office, call 920-793-2281.
