September is Suicide Prevention Month: How to Help Yourself or a Loved One
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide, reducing the stigma surrounding it, and encouraging people to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling. In honor of this important month, we’ll discuss the warning signs of suicide and how to help a loved one—or yourself—if you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Recognizing Warning Signs
The warning signs of suicide can vary from person to person, but there are some common indicators that someone may be at risk:
Symptoms of Depression: If you notice that someone has been feeling sad, down, or depressed, and their condition continues to worsen, it’s a concerning sign. Symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, and changes in sleep or appetite.
Expressions of Hopelessness: A person may say things like, "It doesn’t matter if I’m alive," or "No one would care if I were not around anymore." They may also explicitly state that they no longer wish to live.
Giving Away Possessions: If someone begins to give away personal belongings that are important to them, this could be a warning sign of suicide. It might indicate that they are preparing for the possibility of not being around.
Talking About Suicide with Someone Who is Struggling
If someone confides in you that they are struggling with their moods and don’t know what to do, it’s crucial to approach the conversation with care:
Listen Nonjudgmentally: Allow the person space to talk about the difficult things they are experiencing. Listening without judgment can help them feel supported and understood.
Ask Directly About Suicide: If you are concerned about their safety, it’s okay to ask, “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” Contrary to a common misconception, asking about suicide does not plant the idea in someone’s mind. Instead, it opens up a conversation where they can express their feelings, and many people feel relieved that someone cares enough to ask.
What Actions to Take
If someone is contemplating suicide, there are critical steps you should take to ensure their safety:
Stay with Them: Do not leave the person alone. Your presence can provide comfort and prevent them from taking any immediate harmful actions.
Remove Harmful Objects: Remove any guns, sharp objects, and medication bottles from the area. If they have prescription medications, dole them out as needed to prevent an overdose.
Seek Immediate Help: Call 988, the suicide and crisis hotline, where they can speak with someone who will help them develop a safety plan. If you or your loved one is in immediate danger, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for transport.
If You Are Considering Suicide
If you are considering suicide, please know that help is available and that there are people who care about you. It can be incredibly challenging to reach out when you’re feeling hopeless, but friends, family members, and mental health professionals are ready to support you. Please don’t hesitate to call for help.
If you would like support in beginning to feel safe again, I am here to help. Click on the “Book Appointment” button and schedule your free 15-minute consultation with me, Dr. Mills.
Thank you for reading, have a great week, and remember: Mental Health is Freedom!
Dr. Mills is the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Freedom Psychiatry, located in California. She focuses on achieving mental wellness using medication, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.