While we all come together in September to raise awareness for suicide prevention, it can be difficult to support those who are not ready or willing to share their challenges. Unfortunately, there is still often a stigma associated with reaching out for help for mental health services. The good thing is we can be the eyes and ears of those around us.
The focal point for advocacy and awareness is often centered around youth, when in actuality males ages 34-85+ have the highest rates of suicide, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Men make up 50% of the population but almost 80% of all suicides for adults. Firearms are used in 55% of adult suicides, making them the most common method used.
Other important facts to remember regarding adults, suicide, and mental health challenges include:
- 1 in 5 people are at risk for having a mental health challenge
- 13.2 million have seriously thought about suicide
- 3 million have a plan
- 1.6 million have attempted suicide
How can we support those who may be at risk? The biggest thing is to watch out for warning signs and symptoms. All of us get stressed at different times in our lives, but sometimes it can become overwhelming to a point where a person needs extra support, especially during major life changes (loss of job, divorce, etc.). These are just a few things to look out for:
- Talking about death, dying, or suicide, or that the world would be “better off without them”
- Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- Withdrawing from friends and/or family
- Not showing up to events or activities that they typically would attend
- Quitting activities that they used to enjoy doing
While all of this can seem overwhelming, the great thing for everyone is that there is HOPE. With proper intervention and treatment, the person can recover. There are trainings YOU can take to help you better notice warning signs and intervene, including Mental Health First Aid and Question. Persuade. Refer.. There are also resources available. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 is a simple, easy number that anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health crisis can call or text anonymously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Ohio State University Extension also has county-specific mental health resource guides available at go.osu.edu/countyresourceguide.
Remember, don’t be afraid to check in on each other during difficult times. It is okay to not be okay!
Author: Bridget Britton, Behavioral Health Field Specialist, Ohio State University Extension
Reviewer: Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County
Sources:
CDC. Suicide Data and Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html
National Alliance on Mental Illness. Suicide Prevention Month. https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-month/