Suicide is the taking of one’s own life. It is a death that happens when someone harms themselves because they want to end their life. A suicide attempt is when someone harms themselves to try to end their life, but they do not die.
Suicide is a major public health problem and a leading cause of death in the United States. Both suicide and suicide attempts can have lasting harmful effects:
- People who survive a suicide attempt may have serious injuries that can affect their long-term health. They may also have depression or other mental health concerns.
- When people die by suicide, it affects their family, friends, and community. They may feel grief, shock, anger, and guilt. Some may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety. They may also be at risk for suicidal thoughts.
What are the warning signs for suicide?
A change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors is something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or do.
Talk
If a person talks about:
- Killing themselves
- Feeling hopeless
- Having no reason to live
- Being a burden to others
- Feeling trapped
- Unbearable pain
Behavior
Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss, or change:
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
- Withdrawing from activities
- Isolating from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
- Giving away prized possessions
- Aggression
- Fatigue
Mood
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest
- Irritability
- Humiliation/Shame
- Agitation/Anger
- Relief/Sudden Improvement
Some people may tell others about their suicidal thoughts. But others may try to hide them. This can make some of the signs harder to spot.
What should I do if I need help or know someone who does?
If you or someone you know has the warning signs for suicide, get help right away, especially if there is a change in behavior. If it is an emergency, dial 911.
Five steps that you can take:
- Ask the person if they’re thinking about killing themselves.
- Keep them safe. Find out whether they have a plan for suicide and keep them away from things that they can use to kill themselves.
- Be there with them. Listen carefully and find out what they are thinking and feeling.
- Help them connect to resources that can help them, such as through:
- Calling or texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Chatting through Lifeline Chat.
- For veterans, reaching the Veterans Crisis Line by:
- Calling 988 and then pressing 1.
- Texting to 838255.
- Chatting with them.
- Stay connected. Staying in touch after a crisis can make a difference.
If you need help right now:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Call or text 988 or chat 988lineline.org
- Text OYATE to 741741
- Download & use the Connecting With Our Youth Mobile App to talk to an Okijupi (safe, local volunteer)
Mental Health Facts and Myths
Here are common myths with facts to debunk those myths about mental health.
Myth: Children do not experience mental health problems.
Fact: Half of the people who experience mental health disorders show signs before the age of 14. Young children can also show warning signs of mental health concerns. Early mental health support can help your child before problems interfere with other development needs.
Myth: Mental health problems are caused by weakness or character flaws. If a person is facing a mental health issue, they can snap out of it if they try hard enough.
Fact: Many people need help to get better. Life is hard sometimes. People who have mental health problems can get better and most completely recover.
Overcoming Stigma
Mental health stigma is common across all populations, even native communities. For Native communities, this may correlate with the loss of traditional belief systems and practices.
Across Indian County, we have seen that when Native communities return to using traditional healers, ceremonies, and rituals, some Native persons experiencing mental health problems are more likely to seek traditional forms of healing.
NIH: National Institute of Mental Health
