Suicide prevention month
Pictures of suicide prevention posters in the front office (The Puma Prensa / Ruby Costa)
By Ruby Costa, co-executive editor
Being a teenager is hard. Between having to balance school, family, work, and friends, and on top of that, going through hormonal changes, it is not uncommon for people or those in this age group to deal with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or drug and alcohol addiction. And, in very severe cases, it is not improbable to see a teenager contemplate suicide. Suicide is not a subject to be taken lightly, and the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is always avaliable by calling or texting 988.
Suicide was the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States in 2023, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and is an issue that can affect anyone no matter their race, gender, income, or age. Because of this, increasing efforts have been made to prevent suicide and educate people on the nuance of this topic. September was first named National Suicide Prevention Month in 2008, so this is as good a time as any to take a deeper look into this serious topic and understand how to help people in your community that may be struggling (National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - Air Education and Training Command).
What is classified as suicidal?
Even if an individual is not activley attemping to take their own life, they can still be considered suicidal. Suicidal ideation is the term for having thoughts or contemplations about ending one’s own life, which can be anything from fleeting thoughts to carefully thought out plans. This is what most would think of when they hear the term “suicidal.” The term passive suicidal ideation, on the other hand, is used to describe having thoughts about wanting to die but never having any specific plans to act on these thoughts. This could be, for example, someone waiting at an intersection and wondering what it would be like to get killed in a car accident, but never actually making a move to get themselves into one. Though people dealing with passive suicidal ideation are not activley planning their death, this is still a serious mental health concern, and is not to be undermined compared to its more well-known counterpart.
Educate yourself:
Interpersonal connections are key in preventing suicide. The best thing you can do as a friend, family member, or partner is educate yourself on the potential warning signs of a suicidal person, and know what to do in the case that someone you know actually is suicidal. If you remember a few key principals, you can become an important resource for people that are struggling.
1.) Warning signs: The National Insistute of Mental Health categorizes suicide warning signs into three categories: talking about, feeling, and changing behaviors. Speaking about severe guilt, shame, or the feeling of burdening others can be signs that someone is contemplating suicide. Emotional or physical pain, tiredness, anxiousness, or even agitation are all emotions to look for in someone you suspect may be suicidal. Certain, often unusual, behaviors are commonly what cause others to become aware of someone's mental state, like withdrawing from friends, saying goodbyes (whether direct or indirect), giving away valuable possessions, not eating or sleeping, taking risks, or abusing drugs or alcohol. If you notice any of these changes in someone you know, it may help to reach out to that person. This, then, raises a whole new level of care: your language.
2.) Careful language: The language you use when speaking to someone who you believe to be suicidal is extreamly crucial. This person is in a very unstable mind set, so careful, sensitive language is the best option for both parties involved. The most important thing to keep in mind is to avoid centering the conversation around yourself. Try to listen more than you talk, and avoid using any self-centered statements or arguments. Even if a simple “I’ll be sad if you're gone,” may seem harmless, it can actually put more pressure on the person struggling, or make them feel like a burden. Creating guilt or obligation, using a manipulative–even if it is unintentional–tone, or attempting to compare your own experiences to those of the person you are talking to can all do more harm than good. Try to center the conversation around the other person, their experiences, and their feelings. Allow them to work through their thoughts in a safe, secure environment, and be patient. If you believe the person is still at risk after talking to them, always trust your instincts, and do not hesitate to call emergency services. 911 and 988 (the 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) are there to help in situations like these.
Get involved:
Even if no one you know may currently be in a crisis, there are countless ways you can help support the cause of suicide prevention within your city, state, or country.
1.) Raise awareness: Social media is an incredibly efficient way to spread awareness about suicide prevention. Repost or share important articles, resources, or survivor stories that you feel could help others. Avoid romanticizing or downplaying the seriousness of suicide, and try to support creaters who speak on this cause in a positive, informed maner.
2.) Host events: Whether it is a walk out, silent vigil, or protest, or something more lighthearted like a movie screening, bake sale, or event in a public park, there are countless ways to spread awareness for suicide prevention. Suicide is an issue that will not go away on its own, and it is crucial to find ways to safely and efficiently spread information about it. You can also host events to fundraise for prevention research or organizations that specialize in suicide prevention.
3.) Advocate: While suicide is a deeply personal issue, that is not to say that the insituions set in place in our society do not create new risks. These risks range from a lack of mental health counseling in schools, funding for crisis hotlines, or even safe-guards around individuals acquiring weapons or medication that they can use to take their own life. Contacting California representatives, state-wide organizations, or even smaller local organizations about these issues to make a change could be the key in lowering suicide rates in your community and eventually across the world.
Though the phrase may seem well-worn, you are not alone. All humans, despite our many differences, have the same hearts and brains, and no matter what you are going through, suicide is never the answer. If you or someone you know is in danger, it is important to know how to help and know your resources.
Resources:
988 – Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
(800) 843-5200 – California Youth Crisis Line
The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance)
Suicide Prevention Resource Center