National Suicide Prevention Month

It’s nearly fall again, which means holidays and time for loved ones is right around the corner. As the leaves change and the weather cools, at least for those of us not in Southwest, we want to focus our attention on those loved ones we hold near and dear.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. One person dies from suicide every 11 minutes (CDC.gov, 2022). It is important to know that those who feel suicidal, more often than not, struggle with their mental health. Research shows that the warning signs from those who are suicidal may mimic signs of depression. In many cases, depression and suicidal thoughts go hand in hand. So, what are these important signs we should be looking for in our loved ones? Let’s categorize them to make them easier to remember. We can use the acronym PES which will stand for physical, emotional and social.

Physical Signs

• lack of care with their personal appearance
• eating and sleeping changes
• Exhaustion
• risk taking including the use of drugs and alcohol
• running away
• giving possessions they own away
• writing suicidal notes

Emotional Signs

• acting out
• fixating on death
• feelings of wanting to die
• expressing extreme emotions and bizarre thoughts
• saying strong emotional phrases like, “I won’t be a problem much longer”

Social Signs

• loss of interest in things they once loved
• withdrawing from work school or their community
• isolating themselves from family and friends
• You may also notice as you’re talking with them that they seem bored and uninterested.

Source: Johnshopkins.org, 2024

Knowing these important signs of suicide can help save a life. Many of these signs indicate a need for the person to seek help from a professional counselor or therapist in the near future. While other signs indicate you will need to get them help right away. When a suicidal loved one is threatening to kill themselves here are the steps you can take:

1. take them seriously. This is a very serious situation.
2. ask other friends and family to help right away
3. don’t leave them alone
4. keep all harmful items, such as knives away.
5. let them know we need to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline right now (988) or (800-273- 8255)
6. If they already have a mental health counselor, call them immediately.
7. Most importantly let them know you care and listen to them attentively

Source: Johnshopkins.org, 2024

It is important to note that people who are suicidal may also be feeling that way because of something traumatic that just happened in their life. Don’t forget the PES signs to look for, those physical, emotional and social indicators that something is wrong. Remember that when someone is making suicidal threats to stay with them and call 988.

Again, one person dies from suicide every 11 minutes (CDC.gov, 2022). You can help save lives just by knowing these important signs and tips!

Sources

Depression and Suicide | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Suicide Data and Statistics | Suicide Prevention | CDC

Related articles that include screening as a way to detect those at risk for suicide:

Saving Lives Through the Science of Suicide Prevention – National Institute of Mental Health