The suicide rate in the United States has increased every year since 2006. It’s a public health crisis. More than 20 percent of those who die by suicide let others know of their plans.
Suicide is preventable. It’s crucial to know the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, so you can take steps to avoid this tragic outcome.
Risk of suicide is increased by certain situations and conditions, including:
If you’re facing an emotionally or physically overwhelming situation, it can feel like suicide is the only way to end the pain. In fact, approximately 50 percent of those who die by suicide have a known mental health condition, although the number is likely higher thanks to underreporting of those conditions.
It may be difficult to know if a person is at significant risk for suicide, as many people take pains to hide the severity of their situation. However, there are often indications of severe emotional distress. For example:
It can be uncomfortable to ask someone if they are considering killing themselves, but it’s worth the awkwardness if you can intervene and possibly save the person’s life. The CDC suggests some approaches that may be helpful:
At Harbor Village, our licensed therapists and medical staff are trained to help people who are at risk of suicide. If your or someone you love is in danger of suicide, please don’t wait. Call us immediately. We have staff on call 24/7 to listen to whatever you’re going through, and offer solutions. You deserve help, and we’re here for you.