People can prevent suicide by learning about the risk factors and warning signs, and talking to those close to them. They can also work with their organizations, communities, and tribes to develop and implement prevention programs and strategies.
Restricting access to lethal means can help to reduce impulsive suicides. This may include educating families on safely storing medications and firearms, or removing lethal items from public spaces.
1. Know the Warning Signs
Throughout adolescence, teens experience major physical, social, emotional and psychological changes. Those changes can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and having nowhere to turn. These feelings of hopelessness and external pressure can make them see suicide as their only option.
People who have thoughts of suicide usually give clues, or warning signs, to those around them. You can learn to recognize these warning signs and take them seriously so that you can get help for someone who is considering suicide.
Some risk factors for suicide include a previous attempt, a family history of suicidal behavior, mental health problems, alcohol and drug abuse, or other life stresses like bullying or a loss or death. However, everyone is different and the decision to kill oneself is always a choice made by an individual.
If you have concerns about a teen who is acting differently or talking about suicidal thoughts, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) right away.
2. Talk to Someone
Talking about suicide can be difficult, but if someone is in a crisis, talking can be a lifesaver. Show that you care and don’t be afraid to ask directly if they are having suicidal thoughts. Talk in a safe, private place and be honest, but non-judgmental. If they say yes, listen carefully and support them.
Tell them that suicide is not a solution, but it is a way out of a problem. Explain that people who are struggling with mental health issues can be helped through therapy and medication.
Keep them safe by limiting access to lethal means. This includes removing firearms, medications, and other potentially dangerous items from the person’s environment. Also, try to get them to a hospital (if possible) or to a emergency room. If you can’t do this yourself, help them find someone who can. It’s important to let them know that you will always be there for them and that you believe in their recovery.
3. Stay Supportive
The presence of supportive relationships and the ability to reach out for help have been shown to be protective factors against suicide. In fact, increasing a person’s sense of connectedness to the community through social programs, for example, can help reduce isolation that is often one of the warning signs.
Other preventive strategies include teaching coping and problem-solving skills, reducing access to lethal means of self-harm (including guns, medications and other chemicals), and connecting people in crisis to mental health and crisis care services. These strategies can be implemented at the community level through gatekeeper training, suicide screening and prevention campaigns.
If you suspect someone is at risk for suicide, take it seriously and stay with them or call 911 if necessary. Also, make sure they do not have easy access to weapons or other methods of harm – hanging/suffocation is one of the leading causes of death for teens. This can be done by securing firearms, removing chemicals from their home and locking up medications.
4. Take Action
Suicide is a complex public health issue that has significant and lasting harms on individuals, families, communities and society. The CDC’s Suicide Prevention Resource for Action provides states and communities with a select group of evidence-based strategies that have the greatest potential to prevent suicide and reduce its harmful effects.
Take suicidal thoughts and behaviour seriously – listen to them and show that you care. Stay with them or arrange for someone who will, if possible, remain close by. Remove from their environment any firearms, drugs and other potentially lethal means of self-harm.
Be aware that people in the early stages of a suicide attempt may not seek help. You can help by promoting awareness of available services and raising the visibility of suicide hotlines and other crisis support resources. You can also encourage people to seek help by lowering barriers, such as making it easier to access services or by changing cultural beliefs that hinder help-seeking.