Suicide is one of the leading causes of death and affects people at all ages. Prevention efforts involve work at the individual, community and policy levels. Examples include: means restriction, responsible media coverage and suicide identification methods like gatekeeper training and screening.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation reduces suicidal ideation but the samples are too small to evaluate effects on suicide attempts. Psychiatric treatment and medications reduce risk and improve function but need to be available to all.
Know the Risk Factors
While there is no single cause for suicide, we do know that some people are more at risk than others. These “risk factors” include a history of suicide attempts, depression and other mental health conditions, drug or alcohol abuse, bullying (both as a victim and bully), social isolation, relationship conflicts and problems, a history of trauma, physical illness and disability, and the availability of lethal means like firearms and pills.
It is also important to be aware of protective factors, which reduce the likelihood that someone will engage in suicidal behavior. These are skills, strengths and resources that help people stay safe and resiliency, which can counterbalance the impact of some risk factors. Some examples of these are: having a strong support system; access to community resources and temporary assistance; teaching coping skills and problem-solving strategies; and decreasing the availability of weapons. Knowing what risk factors to look for and recognizing warning signs can save lives.
Recognize Warning Signs
Suicide is a deadly act. The good news is that it is often preventable. The key is to recognize the warning signs of suicide and act quickly.
These signs may be verbal or behavioral and can vary from person to person. Some people make their intentions clear, while others hide their thoughts from those around them. Warning signs include:
A sudden change in mood or behavior, such as being more withdrawn, sad, agitated or angry. Talking or writing about death or dying, including social media posts. Having access to weapons or pills. Making plans or preparations, such as writing a will, cleaning up the home or car, giving away personal possessions or leaving a note.
People who have attempted suicide in the past are more likely to attempt again. Their risk is higher, too, if they have untreated mental health conditions. In addition, a sudden life crisis can increase the risk of suicide. These include the loss of a job, the death of a loved one or a major relationship change.
Seek Help
Suicide prevention strategies that include work at the system and community level are necessary in order to effectively reduce suicide. These can include policies directed at means restriction, responsible media coverage and public education campaigns; gatekeeper training (e.g., a family member, peer or authority figure such as a teacher or military commander), screening programs and identification methods; and access to mental health services including crisis care and follow up treatment for those who have attempted suicide.
If someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, talk with them about their feelings in a nonjudgmental way. Be aware that their thoughts may change, and it is possible that they will become more hopeful. It is important to help them seek professional treatment, such as psychotherapy – like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy – and medication, to learn better coping skills and improve their resiliency. You can also offer to connect them with 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or local resources for people at risk.
Be Proactive
The stigma that surrounds suicide is a significant barrier to prevention. Stigma can lead to denial, and denial can make a person more vulnerable. Educating the public about the importance of mental health, including information about risk factors and warning signs is a critical first step in changing perceptions and reducing stigma.
Providing resources for individuals in crisis can reduce suicide attempts and deaths. This includes hotlines, walk-in crisis clinics, hospital-based psychiatric emergency services and peer support programs. Training for gatekeepers and general community outreach can also improve identification and response.
Restricting access to lethal means can prevent suicide. This can include educating families about safe storage of medication and firearms, installing barriers on bridges, and requiring a lock when buying prescription drugs. Psychotherapy can help people recognize ineffective patterns of thinking, validate feelings and learn coping skills. Resilience-the ability to cope with adversity and move forward-is another protective factor against suicide. This can be promoted through life skills training, support groups and motivational activities like therapeutic recreational therapy.