Suicide is death caused by someone with the intention to die and the means to do so. It is tragic, confusing, and preventable.
2023 statistics are showing that overall rates of suicide have increased. There has been a slight decrease in suicide in the 10-24 age group as many states have implemented social-emotional learning in the classroom to promote the development of coping skills and feeling identification.
Suicide affects people of all age, race, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. There are those that have higher rates of suicide. These including veterans, LGBTQ youth, people of color, and Native people (native, Indian, Indigenous, Alaska Native) due to being marginalized communities, or due to generational, systemic, and/or community trauma, discrimination, and/or oppression.
Common warning signs include increased feelings of guilt, shame, feeling trapped, hopeless or empty. Common behavior changes include giving away possessions, talking about death or not wanting to exist, researching how to die, withdrawing contact from friends and family, and increasing risky or reckless behavior.
How can we prevent suicide?
- There is a misconception that if we talk about suicide, it may “make” someone turn to suicide. If we ask and engage in open, kind, and compassionate dialogue, those burdened with suicidal thoughts may feel relief in talking about their current feelings and experience.
- We can help reduce the means for suicide. If we can help remove some of those lethal means, we can reduce the risk for suicide.
- We can then help connect this person to their support system. This looks like creating a team of people. Loved ones, therapist, clergy members, community members, all identified by that person.
- Follow up. Similar to step 1, reaching back out to this person reiterates the importance of their well-being and the care you have for them.
Confidential and free resources:
National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 988-call or text
The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ youth): 1-866-488-7386, or text START to 678-678
Veteran crisis line: 988, then press 1
Military helpline: 1-888-457-4838
YouthLine: 1-877-968-8491
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
Crisis text line: text HELLO to 741741
Ayuda en Espanol: 1-888-628-9454
