It is Time to Talk About It
Did you know that September was Suicide Awareness Month? Have you heard about suicide awareness activities such as the NAMI walk or an Out of the Darkness Community Walk? If not, now that you know September is an important month to raise awareness about suicide, you can plan participate in an event next year.
Talking about suicide is so important because it is a concept that makes many people uncomfortable. By increasing awareness about the prevalence of suicide, specifically by identifying those most at risk, knowing the warning signs and implementing prevention and intervention services, we can start to impact the silent epidemic of suicide.
Suicide continues to impact everyone, regardless of age and gender. It is the tenth leading cause of death in the US and the third leading cause of death for youth. Although women attempt suicide more than men, men die three and a half times more often because they chose more lethal means. The actual number of people attempting suicide is hard to track because many are not reported or treated.
Know the Warning Signs
Threats or comments about killing themselves, also known as suicidal ideation, can begin with seemingly harmless thoughts like “I wish I wasn’t here” but can become more concrete and dangerous
Increased alcohol or drug use
Aggressive behavior or dramatic mood swings
Social withdrawal from friends, family and the community
Talking, writing or thinking about death
Impulsive or reckless behavior
Giving cherished items away
Know the Risk Factors for Suicide
Research has found that about 90% of individuals who die by suicide experience mental illness. A number of other things may put a person at risk of suicide, including:
A family history of suicide or knowing someone who recently died by suicide.
Substance use. Drugs and alcohol can result in mental highs and lows that exacerbate suicidal thoughts.
Intoxication. More than one in three people who die by suicide are found to be under the influence.
Access to firearms.
A serious or chronic medical illness.
Gender. Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are almost four times more likely to die by suicide.
A history of trauma or abuse.
Prolonged stress.
Isolation.
Age: Elderly and middle-aged individuals.
A recent tragedy or loss.
Agitation and sleep deprivation.
LGBTQ youth and young adults are at increased risk of suicide. Did you know adolescents in grade 7-12 who identify as LGBTQ are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide as their heterosexual peers? The need for increased awareness and intervention for these youth is essential.*
Helping this group and their families know they are not alone is crucial. Supportive families are a key protective factor to combat the prevalence of suicide among LGBTQ youth. The Trevor Project is a National Hotline for crisis and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. Learn more at http://www.thetrevorproject.org/ 1-866-488-7386
For more information on this topic https://www.recoverymonth.gov/sites/default/files/toolkit/2016/lgbt-community.pdf
If you or someone you know is struggling, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK
See more at: www.afsp.org
To learn more about local available mental health counseling services, please visit www.insightactiontherapy.com
Angie Harris, MA, MSW, is a therapist with Insight Into Action Therapy. She is passionate about suicide awareness and prevention. She enjoys working with adolescents and young adults to support their journey through mental wellness and resiliency. Through her years of clinical experience she has learned that early awareness and intervention is essential. She has experience working with specialty populations and understands the unique needs of the LGBTQ community and their families. She provides individual, family and group therapy at the practice. If you are interested in seeking services, contact her by email at: aharris@insightactiontherapy.com or call her at: (703) 646-7664 x10.
*Michael P. Marshal, Mark S. Friedman, Ron Stall, Kevin M. King, Jonathan Miles, Melanie A. Gold, Oscar G. Bukstein1, and Jennifer Q. Morse. (2008). Sexual orientation and adolescent substance use: a meta-analysis and methodological review. Addiction, 103(4): 546–556. doi:10.1111/j.1360- 0443.2008.02149.x
