- Wednesday is National Suicide Prevention Day and September is the awareness month.
- Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. and second among 10-34-year-olds.
- A number of local and national resources are available to help prevent suicide.
Wednesday is National Suicide Prevention Day and September is the awareness month.
Suicide is No. 11 on the causes of death in the United States — and the No. 2 cause among those ages 10 to 34, behind accidents. In 2023 (the most recent year complete data was available), nearly 50,000 individuals died by suicide in the U.S. Men are more likely to take their own lives than women, accounting for 68% of those deaths, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
As Dr. Chris Valentine, medical director of OPTUM Care Network of Utah and Idaho, told Deseret News, “Suicide doesn’t discriminate. It can be any race, any background, any gender, any orientation, any educational or occupational background.”
Life events, mental health challenges, loss, substance use, chronic medical conditions — including chronic pain — and other factors can put someone at risk, Valentine said. He said that social stressors like acculturation, a new environment, limited access to health care, isolation, being away from home, hopelessness, financial problems and job loss are among factors he has seen.
Suicide can also impact those of nearly any age. While they account for fewer deaths than among younger people, the suicide rates were highest for adults ages 75 and older, according to the foundation.
And it’s also a crisis across the country. For example, in 2023, Utah had the fifth-highest death rate by suicide in the U.S.
But how do you know if someone is at risk — and what should you do about it?
Warning signs and reaching out
Professional help is key, Valentine said, but parents and friends, while not licensed counselors, have an important role to play. In many cases, they provide encouragement that’s accepted to seek help and they identify individuals who are at risk.
Suicide and self-harm cross many boundaries and there are also many resources. Lafayette College has dedicated considerable resources to teaching its students how to see the signs that someone may have suicidal ideation and how to show up as part of the solution.
It notes warning signs and says to be concerned if friends talk about hurting themselves, seek access to pills, weapons or other means of harm, have dramatic mood or behavior or indicate they feel no sense of purpose or meaning.
Valentine said to pay attention to family, friends, colleagues and others. “When people seem like they’re checked out, not socializing as much, not really engaging with others the way they did before, it’s important to reach out, understand and ask open-ended questions.”
It genuinely starts with talking. Years ago, people were taught that addressing suicide directly was dangerous; that it might put the idea of self-harm in someone’s head. Research says clearly that’s not the case and if you’re worried about someone, it should be talked through.
“Are you thinking about harming yourself?” is a valid question that should be asked.
“With one conversation, asking someone how they’re really doing — and being ready to truly listen — can save lives," according to a suicide prevention message on Facebook by the 364th Expeditionary Sustainment Command. The post’s heading is “Start a conversation. Be the difference.”
While many experts recommend a very direct approach and follow-up questions like “do you have a plan to hurt yourself,” such conversations may be hard to start or feel too abrupt. Valentine said there are downloadable conversation starters at optumconversation.com. The cards are not just for suicide but to start conversations about mental health in general, too.
Among suggestions for responding to someone in crisis:
- Listen without judging but DO NOT EVER promise to keep it a secret. And don’t hesitate to call 911, Valentine said, “if there seems to be immediate danger, intention or a plan.”
- Talk clearly and directly about worries and ask that direct question about intention to harm oneself.
- Don’t leave the individual alone and/or remove items that could be used for self-harm.
- You can get help for yourself or someone else by texting or calling 988. You can also visit the 988 Lifeline online at 988lifeline.org.
What communities can do
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sees suicide as a societal problem, “a serious public health problem that can have long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities.” A preventable one.
The public health giant offers seven big-picture strategies that make a difference:
- Strengthen economic supports like household financial and housing security.
- Create protective environments by reducing access to lethal means, having healthy organizational policies and culture and reduce substance use.
- Improve access and delivery of suicide care by ensuring health insurance covers mental health, providers are available in underserved areas and help is quickly available.
- Promote healthy connections.
- Teach coping and problem-solving skills .
- Identify people at risk.
- Lessen harms and prevent future risk with postvention after a suicide and with messaging.