Talking About Suicide Saves Lives

On average, one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes in the United States. For those left behind, that statistic represents parents, children, friends, students, coworkers, neighbors- loved ones lost far too soon to mental illnesses turned fatal. September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, and Myrtue’s Behavioral Health Department and Senior Life Solutions are working to get the community talking about this health crisis.

“When it comes to suicide, silence can be deadly,” said Katie Sandquist, LMHC, mental health therapist at Myrtue Behavioral Health. “If we are not talking about suicidal thoughts, and mental health challenges more broadly, people continue to suffer in isolation. Sometimes we don’t find out how much someone was struggling until it’s too late.”

Because of mental health stigma, people experiencing suicidal ideation may have trouble asking for help. However, friends and family can open the door by knowing warning signs and starting the conversation.

Warning Signs of Suicide:

Talking about:

• Wanting to die
• Great guilt or shame
• Being a burden to others

Feeling:

• Empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live
• Extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage
• Unbearable emotional or physical pain

Changing Behavior, such as:

• Making a plan or researching ways to die
• Withdrawing from friends, saying goodbye, giving away important items, or making a will
• Taking dangerous risks such as driving extremely fast
• Displaying extreme mood swings
• Eating or sleeping more or less
• Using drugs or alcohol more often

If you notice warnings signs, Sandquist says to trust your gut. Even if it feels uncomfortable bringing up mental health and suicide, having those conversations can save lives.

“It can be as simple as sharing what you’re seeing,” said Sandquist. “Direct is better. Let them know you care. Ask if they are having any thoughts about killing themselves. Suicidal thoughts are scary, and sharing that burden with another person can be the first step to recovery.”

5 Actions Steps to Help Someone Having Thoughts of Suicide

1. ASK: “Are you thinking about suicide?” It is not an easy question to ask, but it can help start a conversation. Studies show that asking people if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal behavior or thoughts.
2. BE THERE: Listening without judgment is key to learning what the person is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal thoughts.

“When it comes to supporting someone who is hurting or emotionally frustrated, one of the most important things we can do is to be there for them. You can do that by expressing support. You can say things like “I’m so glad you’re telling me about how much has been going on, and how you’re feeling. Thank you for sharing this with me.” It can be difficult for someone to open up and express how they are feeling. People should know how much we care and how appreciative we are that they have decided to reach out, said David Bauman RN, Program Director for Senior Life Solutions.

3. HELP KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing access to highly lethal items or places can help prevent suicide. Asking the person if they have a plan and making lethal means less available or less deadly can help the person stay safe when suicidal thoughts arise.
4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Connecting the person with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) and other community resources can give them a safety net when they need it. You can also help them reach out to a trusted family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
5. FOLLOW UP: Staying in touch with the person after they have experienced a crisis or been discharged from care can make a difference. Studies show that supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in suicide prevention.

It is so important to take talk of suicide seriously. People having thoughts about ending their lives will often say something to someone. Instead of responding with something like “don’t talk like that” or “you’re not going to do something stupid are you?”, instead thank them for trusting you with what they’re feeing and try expand the conversation with an invitation like “tell me more.”

In addition to the 988 national lifeline, if you or someone you love are actively considering suicide, go to your nearest emergency department. Especially with a plan in place or the intention to act, suicidal thinking is a serious health issue. It is important to receive appropriate mental health care.

Myrtue has many resources to support mental health. Myrtue’s Behavioral Health department provides a wide range of mental health services, including medication evaluation and management, substance abuse evaluation and treatment, individual, group, couples, and family therapy, and community support services. Myrtue offers the Starting Point Therapy Group on Mondays at 1 pm or Fridays at 9 am. This group is open to the community on a walk-in basis and covers practical tools for improving mental health, such as understanding stress and developing core coping skills. Myrtue’s Senior Life Solutions program is designed to meet the unique needs of senior adults living with symptoms of age-related depression or anxiety, or dealing with difficult life circumstances and losses.

For more information, visit myrtuemedical.org or call Behavioral Health at 712.755.5056 or Senior Life Solutions at 712.755.4327.

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