Suicide Awareness

Who’s at risk?
What are the warning signs?
What can you do to help?
Suicide Myths and Facts

Who's at Risk?

A number of factors have been associated with suicide deaths in the past. We can use these as indicators to guide our judgments about whether someone might be at risk for suicide.

When several of these factors are present together, the danger of a suicidal crisis is high.

High-Risk Factors

  • Previous history of attempts - Persons who have made one or more attempts in the past.
  • Family history of suicide - Persons who have had a family member die by suicide.
  • Recent Losses - Persons who have suffered a recent loss such as a death, break up of a relationship, loss of job or recent loss of physical health.
  • Level of support - Persons who are isolated, and have limited or no access to supportive resources (e.g., family, friends, caregivers).
  • Depression or mental illness - Persons who are currently experiencing symptoms of depression and/or have a diagnosis of mental illness.
  • Current level of stress - Persons who are currently experiencing a great deal of stress, over which they feel powerless to control.
  • Gender - Men kill themselves three times as often as women do, often choosing more lethal methods such as firearms, hanging, jumping.

What are the warning signs?

In addition to attending to the personal factors already listed, there are a number of behavioral signs that might indicate that someone is considering suicide.

The following are signs and symptoms that a suicidal person might display.

Behavior Clues

  • Noticeable and sudden change in behavior (e.g., withdrawal or increased risk-taking).
  • Signs of depression, including eating and sleeping disturbances, low energy level, crying, isolation.
  • Increased use of alcohol /drugs.
  • Making final arrangements (e.g., making a will).
  • Giving away possessions

Verbal Clues

  • Expressions of helplessness and hopelessness.
  • Talking or joking about suicide.
  • Talking about a specific suicide plan, including the method, date, location.
  • Talking about having access to the means for killing oneself.

What can you do to help?

  • Ask if the person is thinking about suicide. Listen openly and without judging. Believe what the person says and take all threats seriously. Never keep someone's suicidal feelings a secret. Reassure the person that help is available, and support and encourage him/her to reach out to sources of help in the community. Share responsibility by getting others involved.
  • Act immediately if you feel someone is at imminent risk for suicide by involving others who can help ... and if necessary make contact with the police, emergency services or a hospital to ensure the person's safety.

Suicide Myths and Facts

Myth
Suicidal people just want to die.

Fact
Most of the time, suicidal people experience an internal “tug-of-war” between wanting to die and wanting to live. Ultimately, it is about wanting to end the pain rather than wanting to end one’s life.

Myth
People who commit suicide do not warn others.

Fact
The majority of people who kill themselves present clues about their suicidal thoughts. These may be behavioral signs or verbal warnings. All clues need to be taken seriously.

Myth
It is not a good idea to talk about suicide with someone who's showing signs of depression. It will plant the idea in their minds and make them more likely to act on it.

Fact
A direct question (“Are you thinking of killing yourself?”) will often lower their anxiety level and allow the person to vent pent-up feelings. It is one of the most helpful things you can do.