Roughly 94
suicides are committed per day. Every year in America, more individuals die from suicide than by homicide. Those statistics are painfully staggering, but also very avoidable. We should be prepared and aware of the ways we can help in the case of suicidal thoughts or attempts. Keep tools like emergency resources, statistics, and suicide prevention in your toolkit, so that you can make a difference in the lives around you.
Resources for Emergency Suicide Prevention
There are a number of resources and organizations who are prepared to help those experiencing suicidal thoughts, or in the event of a suicide attempt. There are also a few recognizable signs to look for that may mean someone is considering suicide. When determining if you should reach out for help, watch for
specific indications like:
● If someone says they don’t feel like there is a way out of their situation
● If someone uses phrasing like: “The world would be better without me.”
● If someone retreats from all social activities.
● If someone begins using drugs.
While drug use is not the only cause of suicide, abuse of heavy opiates such as
heroin could increase the chances of suicidal thoughts. If drug addictions or substance abuse is involved, consider seeking medical attention immediately. If you are needing immediate assistance with a suicide related situation, reach out to one of the following resources:
● Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
● Call the local police department, if the phone number is readily available to you. If it is not and you need quicker assistance, call 911.
● Text the
Crisis Text Line.
● Speak to a counselor or pastor trained in suicide prevention.
● Contact a local clinic or hospital for medical attention or to connect you to a treatment center.
● Select a rehabilitation facility with personnel who can provide 24 hour monitoring of their patients.
Statistics Surrounding Suicide
Typically, a suicidal person doesn’t necessarily want to die, but just wants relief from emotional pain. They are usually struggling with stress, anxiety, an emotional disorder, or the side effects from drugs or medications. Knowing the
statistics surround suicide provide a clearer picture of just how widespread the issue of suicide is.
● One suicide is committed every 16.2 minutes.
● While more women experience
suicide ideation, more men commit suicide.
● Depression is experienced during the time of death for over half of those who commit suicide.
● In America, more suicides take place in the Spring season than any other season.
Long-Term Health and Suicide Prevention
Just like physical fitness, our mental and emotional health should be managed and maintained throughout the course of our lives. This will serve as the positive reinforcement for avoiding suicidal thoughts. Those who have attended counseling sessions or therapy treatments pertaining to suicidal tendencies should continue to have follow-up meetings. Have healthy, open conversations with your loved ones regarding anything causing stress, pain, anxiety, or depression, so that you can help each other in your life-long journey to full health. Also, be honest with yourself about your condition and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Manage your lifestyle choices, such as healthy diet and exercise habits, to give your physical body freedom from medical burdens or limitations. Before taking any medication, speak with your doctors about any struggles you have had with depression or suicide ideation. Remove anything in your life that could cause a relapse of suicidal thoughts or actions.
No matter the situation, you can have hope for your future. Reach out to those around you and remind them that they can have the same. We only have one life to live. Live it to the fullest by using these tools for suicide prevention.
