Suicide Prevention: Knowing the Signs and Starting the Conversation
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and remind people that conversations about suicide can save lives.
Suicide can be an uncomfortable subject to discuss. Many people worry that asking someone about suicidal thoughts might make things worse or somehow “put the idea in their head.” Research has consistently shown that this is not the case. Asking directly about suicide does not increase suicidal thoughts or behavior. In fact, being willing to ask may give someone an opportunity to talk about something they have been struggling to carry alone.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
There is no single sign that tells us someone is considering suicide, and people do not always show obvious signs of distress. However, certain changes may indicate that someone is struggling and needs additional support.
Warning signs can include:
- Talking about wanting to die or feeling that life is not worth living
- Expressing hopelessness or feeling trapped
- Saying they are a burden to others
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
- Significant changes in mood, sleep, or behavior
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Giving away valued possessions or unexpectedly saying goodbye
- Taking unusual risks or behaving recklessly
- Searching for or making plans for a way to die
- A sudden, unexplained sense of calm after a period of significant emotional distress
Any talk of suicide should be taken seriously.
What Should You Say?
If you are concerned about someone, you do not need to be a mental health professional to start a conversation.
You can simply say, “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately, and I’m worried about you.”
If you are concerned about suicide specifically, it is okay to ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” or “Have you been thinking about hurting yourself?”
Listen without judgment. Resist the urge to immediately solve the problem, minimize what the person is experiencing, or tell them why they “shouldn’t” feel that way. Sometimes the most important first step is allowing someone to feel heard.
When Someone Says Yes
If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, stay with them and take what they are saying seriously. Encourage them to connect with a mental health professional or another trusted source of support.
If there appears to be immediate danger, do not leave the person alone. Seek emergency assistance and, when it can be done safely, reduce access to firearms, medications, or other potentially lethal means.
Mental Health Treatment Can Help
Suicidal thoughts are often associated with treatable mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, trauma-related conditions, and other psychiatric concerns. They may also emerge during periods of overwhelming stress, grief, relationship difficulties, financial problems, chronic pain, or major life transitions.
Effective treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, addressing substance use, strengthening social support, developing a safety plan, or a combination of approaches tailored to the individual.
Most importantly, experiencing suicidal thoughts does not mean that a person will always feel this way. Suicidal crises can change, and appropriate intervention and treatment can make an enormous difference.
Checking In Matters
Suicide prevention is not limited to professionals or crisis situations. It also happens in ordinary moments when we notice that someone is struggling and choose to reach out.
Send the text. Make the phone call. Ask the uncomfortable question. Check in again tomorrow.
Sometimes simply knowing that someone noticed and cared enough to ask can be an important first step toward getting help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate danger or medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.