Preventing suicide requires reducing access to lethal means, improving identification through screening and gatekeeper education, and connecting those at risk with treatment and support. Education about psychiatric conditions that often cause suicide and responsible media coverage are also important.
Risk factors include mental illness, a history of suicide in the family, exposure to suicidal behavior by others and a life crisis (such as a death, breakup, academic failure or job loss). Protective factors can include sources of support, self-soothing activities and reasons to live.
Know the Warning Signs
Suicide is a complex and tragic issue, but it is also preventable. When someone is considering suicide, they often show warning signs that can alert others to their crisis. These warning signs can include a history of mental health problems, such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia; a family history of suicide; a history of previous suicide attempts; and access to lethal means, such as a firearm.
Other warning signs can include giving away cherished possessions, staying up late or sleeping too little; acting anxious or restless; withdrawing from friends or social activities; and showing rage or a desire to enact revenge. These behaviors are especially concerning if they appear suddenly or seem related to a painful event, loss or change in the person’s life. If you see these warning signs, it is important to take them seriously and to seek help for yourself or a friend. This may mean getting them to the hospital or calling 911.
Don’t Be Afraid to Talk
Suicide is a complex issue. It cannot be prevented by any one group or sector of society alone. It requires the collective efforts of the whole community – individuals, families, schools, businesses, police, government, justice, health, religion, and other organizations.
People who kill themselves often show certain warning signs, such as withdrawing from friends and family, talking or writing a lot about death and suicide, seeking out weapons and other means of harming themselves, or acting agitated or angry. They may also exhibit a bleak outlook on their future or feel they are trapped, burdensome and hopeless.
Talking directly to someone showing these signs is an important step in preventing suicide. Research has shown that being connected to ongoing supports (family, friends, spiritual advisors) can act as a protective factor against suicide, even in the presence of risk factors like mental illness or a history of loss or trauma. It is important to keep the person safe by reducing their access to lethal items and places, asking them if they have a plan, and helping them connect with a counselor.
Seek Help
Whether or not someone is at risk of suicide, recognizing and responding to warning signs is important. Behavioral health care providers can help by teaching coping skills, reducing access to lethal means of self-harm (like firearms), providing personalized safety planning, and making follow up phone calls for at-risk patients. They can also refer people to local mental health or crisis services, such as walk-in clinics and hospital emergency departments, where they will be evaluated and stabilized.
Many communities have social programs that target specific populations at risk of suicide and are working to implement best practices, such as the Suicide Prevention Technical Package. Additionally, research shows that connectedness protects against suicide, and promoting a sense of belonging by facilitating the formation of emotionally supportive relationships can help. Even simple acts like a smile and eye contact or a conversation about a TV show can create a connection that can lead to more meaningful conversations.
Don’t Make Deals
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for all ages. It can be prevented by reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors. Prevention methods can be used at the individual, relationship, community and societal level.
People at increased risk include those with a history of suicide attempt or mental health issues such as depression. Males, those living in rural or remote regions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have higher rates of suicide.
The warning signs can be dramatic: a sudden change in behavior or appearance, a lack of interest in activities and relationships, sleep and eating disturbances, poor hygiene, withdrawing from friends and family, a desire to die or a plan to kill themselves. If you are concerned, ask the person if they are thinking of suicide and stay with them or arrange for someone to stay with them (if possible). Remove from the area any lethal items that can be used for suicide.