Trigger Warning: This blog post contains information on suicide and other mental health topics. Local and National Crisis Lines
Suicide is a topic that is not widely talked about due to the heaviness and seriousness of the subject matter. This topic does not affect a specific age group but everyone, regardless of their age, background, gender, or ethnicity. I did not believe suicide affected my life until I entered middle school and, consequently, high school. In middle school, one of my classmates died by suicide in the 8th grade, and then in high school, I helped close friends that were my age in neighboring high schools when their teammates and friends attempted suicide. Another young adult in my town took their life after experiencing hate in college for being openly homosexual. The list goes on, but it remains clear: suicide is sprinkled throughout our society, even if we fail to recognize it. For years, people would establish this lingering guilt in themselves after someone they loved committed suicide because they believe they could have prevented it from happening if they knew more. While that can be arguably true, for the most part, people hide their true feelings so well that we never know the truth till it is too late.
There is no specific trigger that causes someone to attempt suicide, nevertheless there is evidence to suggest certain moments in one’s life can drive them to be more likely to commit suicide. According to the Cleveland Clinic, people who fall under these categories are more likely to attempt suicide:
Elders whose spouse has died or divorced them.
Those who have has a previous suicide attempt.
Those with a history of suicide in their family.
Those who have had a friend or co-worker die by suicide.
Those with a history of any kind of abuse.
Those who believe they are unskilled or are not married or employed.
Those with chronic pain or a terminal illness.
Those who demonstrate violent or impulsive behavior.
Those who have been released from a psychiatric hospital.
Those in professions that work with terminally ill patients.
Those with a history of or have substance abuse problems.
Although these are common environmental factors, suicide truly depends on the person’s individual experiences and how they internalize and cope with those experiences. In addition to these factors, there are frequent warning signs within suicidal people leading up to the moment they attempt to take their lives. According to the Cleveland Clinic and the National Institute of Mental Health, the following behaviors are potential signs of someone who is planning to commit suicide:
Excessive sadness or notable mood swings.
Unexpected calmness after a period of depression or moodiness.
Withdrawing from social activities and preferring to be alone.
Losing interest in activities the person used to enjoy.
Changes in personality and/or appearance, such as speaking or moving with abnormal speed or slowness or not caring about their appearance.
Dangerous or self-harmful behavior
Recent trauma or life crisis, including the death of a loved one or pet, divorce or break-up, diagnosis of a major illness, loss of a job or serious financial problems.
Making preparations including visiting friends and family members, giving away personal belongings, researching ways to die or writing a note before attempting suicide.
Eating or sleeping more or less
Using drugs or alcohol more often
If you are able to identify this in someone you love, the University of Michigan Medicine and the Cleveland Clinic suggest the following tips to ensure the safety of your loved one:
Do not leave the person alone.
Encourage the person to seek professional help.
Don't argue with the person or challenge them by saying statements such as "It's not as bad as you think" or "You're not the type to attempt suicide.”
Tell the person that you don't want them to die by talking about the situation openly.
Ask the person to give you any weapons he or she might have. Take away sharp objects or anything else that the person could use to hurt himself or herself.
Try to keep the person as calm as possible
If you or someone you love are demonstrating suicidal thoughts are actions, seek immediate professional help and utilize the following resources below:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741