Sometimes we can find ourselves in a dark place feeling lost and alone, not knowing how to express the feelings and thoughts that we are having. Being in the middle of a pandemic does not help with feelings of loneliness or the idea of wanting to give up. For many of us, life has completely changed, and being away from the people who care about us has left many individuals with feelings that we do not matter, and no one would care if we cease to exist. The truth is if we sit down and talk to someone and work through those feelings, there will be several people who care about every one of us. The key is to reach out and receive the resources available to help guide us from that dark place in life. It is ok not always to be the strong friend. Even the strongest person needs someone to talk to. It is also for us to check on our friends and family sometimes a quick hello to let someone know we care, and someone loves them could save a life. 

The month of September is suicide awareness month. Within the United States, Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death. On average, 132 Americans die from suicide daily (Center for Disease Control, 2018). There are many reasons that an individual might have thoughts of suicide. However, it is essential to know the signs to look for and what resource are available if having suicidal thoughts. According to the Center for Disease Control, some warning signs of suicidal ideation are

• Increased substance use

• Looking for a way to access lethal means

• Expressing hopelessness

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Increased anxiety

• Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.

• Increased anger or rage

• Extreme mood swings

• Talking or posting about wanting to die

• Making plans for suicide

• Giving away personal belongings

While these are signs, not everyone will display them. If you know someone who shows signs of having suicidal thoughts, it is vital to ask the uncomfortable question of whether they are having thoughts of suicide. It is also important to know the myths associated with suicide and what the reality is to that myth.

Some myths according to TeenMentalHealth.org (2020), ” Myth: Someone smart and successful would never die by suicide.

REALITY: It does not matter who you are an individual’s education or income. Suicidal ideation is not limited to any racial or ethnic background. 

MYTH: People who attempt suicide are just looking for attention

REALITY:  A suicide attempt is a cry for help; this is not attention-seeking behavior and should not be labeled that way. 

MYTH: When a person decides to take his or her life, there is nothing anyone can do to stop them.

REALITY: Individuals who attempt suicide may be suffering from a mental disorder that will respond to appropriate and effective treatment. Appropriate treatment of a mental disorder significantly reduces the risk of suicide. For example, suicidal thinking associated with depression usually resolves with effective treatment of Depressive Disorder.

MYTH: Antidepressants such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) increase the risk for suicide among adolescents.

REALITY: contrary to much public opinion, the treatment of depression with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors does not increase but rather decreases youth suicide rates.” (Myths and Facts).

Many cultures believe that one should not talk about suicide, and merely asking about suicide can create the idea of suicide in our loved ones. Truthfully asking if they are having suicidal thoughts can open the door for conversation and allow them to express that they are having suicidal thoughts. Once the door is open, it is essential to help them get the resources that could save their life.

If you believe someone is in danger or a danger to themselves, please call 911 immediately. Other resources are 

EMERGENCE CRISIS HOTLINE (Mental Health Crisis) 24/7: 915.779.1800 

TEXAS 211 (211texas.org) 24/7: Information and Referral 211 

Suicide Prevention Lifeline : 1 (800) 273-TALK or (800) 784-2433 

Veterans Crisis Line: 1 (800) 273-8255, Press 1

It is important to understand that having suicidal thoughts does not mean that you are weak or broken. There are several Myths about suicide that can be dangerous if believed. 

 References:

Center for Disease Control. (2018). Suicide Facts & Figures:. Retrieved from https://www.datocms-assets.com/12810/1587128056-usfactsfiguresflyer-2.pdf

Center for Disease Control. (2018). Suicide rising across the US. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/pdf/vs-0618-suicide-H.pdf

 TeenMentalHealth.org . (2020).  Suicide. http://teenmentalhealth.org/suicide/