According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost one million people die by suicide each year. These people tend to struggle in silence, too afraid or ashamed to share their pain, leading to feelings of isolation and hopelessness, and eventually contemplate suicide as a way to escape their emotional turmoil. That’s why it’s important for families to discuss mental health and suicide prevention openly, regardless of the ages of the affected individuals. These conversations help to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues, making it easier for people to seek help when they need it. By creating an environment where others feel safe discussing their mental health and being aware of warning signs of suicide, we can all help to save lives.

Noticing the Signs

It’s not uncommon for suicidal people to give warning signs of their intentions, which means that family members, friends, and coworkers may be able to identify them and take action. Suicidal individuals tend to respond to people they trust rather than strangers, so it’s most likely that your words will have an effect on someone close to you. The most obvious warning sign that someone is considering attempting suicide is talking about doing so, but you should also look for other factors. Someone contemplating suicide might talk about feeling hopeless or like a burden, withdraw from social situations or connections, experience mood swings, sleep excessively or very little, or start using or abusing drugs or alcohol.

Precautions You Can Take

If you notice warning signs of suicide, it’s important to speak to them and encourage them to get help, even if it feels uncomfortable. Although it can be challenging to discuss such sensitive issues, asking the person directly about their feelings and offering them a safe space to express their emotions is one of the most effective ways to prevent self-harm. People struggling with suicidal thoughts may deny their feelings or try to put up a brave front, in which case offering practical solutions or advice, even if met with resistance, can be helpful. Remove any potentially harmful objects from their possession if you can, and offer to call a medical professional on their behalf. While you can’t force someone to seek treatment for their mental health struggles, it’s important to do everything you can to encourage them to do so; only a medical professional can provide the care they need to stay safe in the long term, such as psychotherapy (like cognitive behavioral therapy), pharmacotherapy (medications like SSRIs), and/or neuromodulation therapy.

What to Do After an Attempt

Although overcoming suicidal thoughts can be empowering, it doesn’t necessarily prevent the possibility of a relapse. A key element of recovery is returning to a regular routine, but to reduce the risk of future attempts, it’s also crucial for sufferers to create a safety plan. This plan should include ways to recognize the early signs of suicidal thoughts, steps to seek further treatment, and the contact details of a qualified professional to reach out to if needed. Building a strong support system with trusted family members, friends, health-care providers, and fellow survivors is also essential.

Additional Mental Health Resources