Suicide is one of the leading causes of death and is, unfortunately, on the rise. According to the latest published statistics on suicide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate in 2022 reached 14.2 per 100,000 people—the highest ever recorded. This translates to over 49,000 deaths by suicide, or one death every 11 minutes.
With Suicide Prevention Month coming to a close, it’s important to remember that preventing suicide requires year-round attention and action.
Counslr expert Jocelyn Tapia, LMFT, offers advice on recognizing the signs, starting a conversation, and finding ways to help—information that may save a life.
Q. What should you do if someone tells you they are thinking about suicide?
Any statement regarding suicide should be taken seriously. Suicide is something that can often be prevented. Suicide can be less about wanting to die and more about wanting the emotional, mental, and/or physical pain to end. Most individuals considering suicide need emotional support to help them through their time of crisis and keep them safe.
Q. What could you do to help?
If someone shares they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, listen non-judgmentally, ask direct questions, and gently nudge them to seek professional help. You don’t have to solve their problems, but you can help them get help. If you can, stay with them to keep them safe while they do so. In cases of imminent or immediate danger, being alone can increase the chances of self-harm or suicide. In case of an emergency, call emergency services for immediate help. Checking in and following up with them can also be helpful to keep them connected, and it is a great way to show that you care. Send a text, meet for tea, or call them and ask how their day is going and how you can best support them.
Q. What should you not say?
Certain language can be unhelpful when discussing suicide. Because suicide can be a sensitive topic for people, it is important to treat it mindfully. If someone shares they are having thoughts of suicide, avoid telling them that they should “snap out of it” or “think positively,” or that others “have it worse.” Such statements can feel invalidating. Minimizing their emotions and thoughts can make them feel even more hopeless and disconnected.
Avoid using stigmatizing terms such as “committed suicide.” The word “commit” may send the wrong message, that suicide is a crime and is a selfish, attention-seeking act. (Preferable phrases include “took their own life” or “died by suicide”.)
On the other hand, it is important to note that talking about suicide, even asking direct questions, does NOT make suicide more likely.
Q. What are the risk factors for suicide?
Some circumstances may increase the likelihood that a person experiences suicidal thoughts or even attempt suicide. These include a previous suicide attempt; family history of suicide; diagnosed mental health disorders; stressful life events (recent divorce, relationship break ups, death of a loved one, unemployment); history of trauma or abuse, including sexual abuse; excessive drug or alcohol use; social isolation and loneliness; and access to means.
Perhaps the most critical risk factor is when someone has stated they have a suicide plan, including when, where, and how they plan to make a suicide attempt. In such a case, the risk is high, and taking immediate action may save a life.
Q. What is the difference between risk factors and warning signs?
Part of suicide prevention is knowing the warning signs and how to detect them. Warning signs are the “red flags” you can see or hear that raise real concerns. They are similar to risk factors in that they both increase the likelihood for suicidal behavior, but the difference is that warning signs warrant more immediate intervention because they indicate someone is actively considering suicide. On the other hand, risk factors indicate that someone may be at higher risk for suicide because of a stressful event.
It is important to understand that risk factors do not always lead to a suicide attempt—most of the time, they don’t. Still, take any mention of suicide or self-harm seriously.
Q. What are the warning signs of suicide?
The following warning signs indicate that help, support, and intervention are needed:
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness/helplessness
- Expressing feelings that life is meaningless or that they have no purpose
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Uncontrollable anger/rage
- Extreme or uncontrollable feelings of guilt or shame
- Loss of interest in activities
- Giving away possessions/saying goodbye to loved ones
- Reckless or risky behavior, especially if it is out of character
- An increase in poor hygiene
- Saying things like, “I don’t want to exist anymore,” “It would be so much easier if I wasn’t here,” “they would be better off without me,” “nobody cares,” or other similar comments expressing hopelessness and about death or dying.
Q. Where can I find help?
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing thoughts of suicide, it's critical to seek help immediately. Emergency resources are available 24/7 to provide support, guidance, and intervention. You can contact a suicide prevention hotline, reach out to a mental health professional, or go to your nearest emergency room. Remember, no one has to face this alone—help is always just a call or text away.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Call or text 988
- Chat online at chat.988lifeline.org
- Text HOME to 741741
- Chat online at crisistextline.org
- Phone, chat, and text support for LGBTQ youth
- Text START to 678-678
- Call 1-866-488-7386
- Chat online at thetrevorproject.org/get-help
- Support for teenagers and young adults
- jedfoundation.org
Additionally, though Counslr’s prevention platform is designed to keep small things small, Counslr can also help when things seem too big. Licensed counselors are available 24/7 for text-based support, and in-app proprietary SOS emergency technology streamlines the emergency response process during crisis situations.
References
- The International Association for Suicide Prevention: The first 50 years. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 34(2), 137–141
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Suicide prevention month. NAMI. https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-month/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Suicide prevention. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html
The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and should not be attributed to Counslr, Inc., its partners, its employees, or any other mental health professionals Counslr employs. You should review this information and any questions regarding your specific circumstances with a medical professional. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as counseling, therapy, or professional medical advice.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death and is, unfortunately, on the rise. According to the latest published statistics on suicide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate in 2022 reached 14.2 per 100,000 people—the highest ever recorded. This translates to over 49,000 deaths by suicide, or one death every 11 minutes.
With Suicide Prevention Month coming to a close, it’s important to remember that preventing suicide requires year-round attention and action.
Counslr expert Jocelyn Tapia, LMFT, offers advice on recognizing the signs, starting a conversation, and finding ways to help—information that may save a life.
Q. What should you do if someone tells you they are thinking about suicide?
Any statement regarding suicide should be taken seriously. Suicide is something that can often be prevented. Suicide can be less about wanting to die and more about wanting the emotional, mental, and/or physical pain to end. Most individuals considering suicide need emotional support to help them through their time of crisis and keep them safe.
Q. What could you do to help?
If someone shares they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, listen non-judgmentally, ask direct questions, and gently nudge them to seek professional help. You don’t have to solve their problems, but you can help them get help. If you can, stay with them to keep them safe while they do so. In cases of imminent or immediate danger, being alone can increase the chances of self-harm or suicide. In case of an emergency, call emergency services for immediate help. Checking in and following up with them can also be helpful to keep them connected, and it is a great way to show that you care. Send a text, meet for tea, or call them and ask how their day is going and how you can best support them.
Q. What should you not say?
Certain language can be unhelpful when discussing suicide. Because suicide can be a sensitive topic for people, it is important to treat it mindfully. If someone shares they are having thoughts of suicide, avoid telling them that they should “snap out of it” or “think positively,” or that others “have it worse.” Such statements can feel invalidating. Minimizing their emotions and thoughts can make them feel even more hopeless and disconnected.
Avoid using stigmatizing terms such as “committed suicide.” The word “commit” may send the wrong message, that suicide is a crime and is a selfish, attention-seeking act. (Preferable phrases include “took their own life” or “died by suicide”.)
On the other hand, it is important to note that talking about suicide, even asking direct questions, does NOT make suicide more likely.
Q. What are the risk factors for suicide?
Some circumstances may increase the likelihood that a person experiences suicidal thoughts or even attempt suicide. These include a previous suicide attempt; family history of suicide; diagnosed mental health disorders; stressful life events (recent divorce, relationship break ups, death of a loved one, unemployment); history of trauma or abuse, including sexual abuse; excessive drug or alcohol use; social isolation and loneliness; and access to means.
Perhaps the most critical risk factor is when someone has stated they have a suicide plan, including when, where, and how they plan to make a suicide attempt. In such a case, the risk is high, and taking immediate action may save a life.
Q. What is the difference between risk factors and warning signs?
Part of suicide prevention is knowing the warning signs and how to detect them. Warning signs are the “red flags” you can see or hear that raise real concerns. They are similar to risk factors in that they both increase the likelihood for suicidal behavior, but the difference is that warning signs warrant more immediate intervention because they indicate someone is actively considering suicide. On the other hand, risk factors indicate that someone may be at higher risk for suicide because of a stressful event.
It is important to understand that risk factors do not always lead to a suicide attempt—most of the time, they don’t. Still, take any mention of suicide or self-harm seriously.
Q. What are the warning signs of suicide?
The following warning signs indicate that help, support, and intervention are needed:
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness/helplessness
- Expressing feelings that life is meaningless or that they have no purpose
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Uncontrollable anger/rage
- Extreme or uncontrollable feelings of guilt or shame
- Loss of interest in activities
- Giving away possessions/saying goodbye to loved ones
- Reckless or risky behavior, especially if it is out of character
- An increase in poor hygiene
- Saying things like, “I don’t want to exist anymore,” “It would be so much easier if I wasn’t here,” “they would be better off without me,” “nobody cares,” or other similar comments expressing hopelessness and about death or dying.
Q. Where can I find help?
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing thoughts of suicide, it's critical to seek help immediately. Emergency resources are available 24/7 to provide support, guidance, and intervention. You can contact a suicide prevention hotline, reach out to a mental health professional, or go to your nearest emergency room. Remember, no one has to face this alone—help is always just a call or text away.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Call or text 988
- Chat online at chat.988lifeline.org
- Text HOME to 741741
- Chat online at crisistextline.org
- Phone, chat, and text support for LGBTQ youth
- Text START to 678-678
- Call 1-866-488-7386
- Chat online at thetrevorproject.org/get-help
- Support for teenagers and young adults
- jedfoundation.org
Additionally, though Counslr’s prevention platform is designed to keep small things small, Counslr can also help when things seem too big. Licensed counselors are available 24/7 for text-based support, and in-app proprietary SOS emergency technology streamlines the emergency response process during crisis situations.
References
- The International Association for Suicide Prevention: The first 50 years. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 34(2), 137–141
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Suicide prevention month. NAMI. https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-month/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Suicide prevention. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html
The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and should not be attributed to Counslr, Inc., its partners, its employees, or any other mental health professionals Counslr employs. You should review this information and any questions regarding your specific circumstances with a medical professional. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as counseling, therapy, or professional medical advice.
How to Help Save A Life
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death and is, unfortunately, on the rise. According to the latest published statistics on suicide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate in 2022 reached 14.2 per 100,000 people—the highest ever recorded. This translates to over 49,000 deaths by suicide, or one death every 11 minutes.
With Suicide Prevention Month coming to a close, it’s important to remember that preventing suicide requires year-round attention and action.
Counslr expert Jocelyn Tapia, LMFT, offers advice on recognizing the signs, starting a conversation, and finding ways to help—information that may save a life.
Q. What should you do if someone tells you they are thinking about suicide?
Any statement regarding suicide should be taken seriously. Suicide is something that can often be prevented. Suicide can be less about wanting to die and more about wanting the emotional, mental, and/or physical pain to end. Most individuals considering suicide need emotional support to help them through their time of crisis and keep them safe.
Q. What could you do to help?
If someone shares they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, listen non-judgmentally, ask direct questions, and gently nudge them to seek professional help. You don’t have to solve their problems, but you can help them get help. If you can, stay with them to keep them safe while they do so. In cases of imminent or immediate danger, being alone can increase the chances of self-harm or suicide. In case of an emergency, call emergency services for immediate help. Checking in and following up with them can also be helpful to keep them connected, and it is a great way to show that you care. Send a text, meet for tea, or call them and ask how their day is going and how you can best support them.
Q. What should you not say?
Certain language can be unhelpful when discussing suicide. Because suicide can be a sensitive topic for people, it is important to treat it mindfully. If someone shares they are having thoughts of suicide, avoid telling them that they should “snap out of it” or “think positively,” or that others “have it worse.” Such statements can feel invalidating. Minimizing their emotions and thoughts can make them feel even more hopeless and disconnected.
Avoid using stigmatizing terms such as “committed suicide.” The word “commit” may send the wrong message, that suicide is a crime and is a selfish, attention-seeking act. (Preferable phrases include “took their own life” or “died by suicide”.)
On the other hand, it is important to note that talking about suicide, even asking direct questions, does NOT make suicide more likely.
Q. What are the risk factors for suicide?
Some circumstances may increase the likelihood that a person experiences suicidal thoughts or even attempt suicide. These include a previous suicide attempt; family history of suicide; diagnosed mental health disorders; stressful life events (recent divorce, relationship break ups, death of a loved one, unemployment); history of trauma or abuse, including sexual abuse; excessive drug or alcohol use; social isolation and loneliness; and access to means.
Perhaps the most critical risk factor is when someone has stated they have a suicide plan, including when, where, and how they plan to make a suicide attempt. In such a case, the risk is high, and taking immediate action may save a life.
Q. What is the difference between risk factors and warning signs?
Part of suicide prevention is knowing the warning signs and how to detect them. Warning signs are the “red flags” you can see or hear that raise real concerns. They are similar to risk factors in that they both increase the likelihood for suicidal behavior, but the difference is that warning signs warrant more immediate intervention because they indicate someone is actively considering suicide. On the other hand, risk factors indicate that someone may be at higher risk for suicide because of a stressful event.
It is important to understand that risk factors do not always lead to a suicide attempt—most of the time, they don’t. Still, take any mention of suicide or self-harm seriously.
Q. What are the warning signs of suicide?
The following warning signs indicate that help, support, and intervention are needed:
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness/helplessness
- Expressing feelings that life is meaningless or that they have no purpose
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Uncontrollable anger/rage
- Extreme or uncontrollable feelings of guilt or shame
- Loss of interest in activities
- Giving away possessions/saying goodbye to loved ones
- Reckless or risky behavior, especially if it is out of character
- An increase in poor hygiene
- Saying things like, “I don’t want to exist anymore,” “It would be so much easier if I wasn’t here,” “they would be better off without me,” “nobody cares,” or other similar comments expressing hopelessness and about death or dying.
Q. Where can I find help?
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing thoughts of suicide, it's critical to seek help immediately. Emergency resources are available 24/7 to provide support, guidance, and intervention. You can contact a suicide prevention hotline, reach out to a mental health professional, or go to your nearest emergency room. Remember, no one has to face this alone—help is always just a call or text away.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Call or text 988
- Chat online at chat.988lifeline.org
- Text HOME to 741741
- Chat online at crisistextline.org
- Phone, chat, and text support for LGBTQ youth
- Text START to 678-678
- Call 1-866-488-7386
- Chat online at thetrevorproject.org/get-help
- Support for teenagers and young adults
- jedfoundation.org
Additionally, though Counslr’s prevention platform is designed to keep small things small, Counslr can also help when things seem too big. Licensed counselors are available 24/7 for text-based support, and in-app proprietary SOS emergency technology streamlines the emergency response process during crisis situations.
References
- The International Association for Suicide Prevention: The first 50 years. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 34(2), 137–141
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Suicide prevention month. NAMI. https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-month/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Suicide prevention. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html
The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and should not be attributed to Counslr, Inc., its partners, its employees, or any other mental health professionals Counslr employs. You should review this information and any questions regarding your specific circumstances with a medical professional. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as counseling, therapy, or professional medical advice.
