Suicide Prevention: A Guide to Understanding the Warning Signs of Ideations
Suicide is a community-wide public health issue that requires coordination between individuals, families, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals.
Approximately 90 percent of individuals who die by suicide had shown symptoms of mental illness prior to their attempt — while 46 percent of those had an official diagnosis. (1)
In the most recent State of the Union address, Congress was presented with a detailed proposal regarding the mental health crisis currently plaguing the citizens of the United States.
Due to the stress and isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. lawmakers are considering implementing stringent measures to ensure that both children and adults alike are receiving the resources and support that they need.
And, while this proposal will certainly benefit the country, we must also take the initiative to educate ourselves on the seriousness of mental health and suicide — for the betterment of ourselves and our loved ones.
Preventing the taking of one’s life is not merely an issue resolved in our federal government.
Full awareness and prevention starts within the community and on a familial level.
Risk Factors and Warning Signs
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the suicide rate has risen each year among all age groups since 1999 — including minors. (2)
And although anyone of any age, race, or gender can experience suicide ideations, men are nearly four times more likely to succeed at taking their own life than women — even though women make more attempts.
Moreover, members of the LGBT youth are also four times more likely to attempt suicide in comparison to their straight counterparts. In addition, transgender adults are 12 times more likely to try and take their own life than the general population. (1)
Some other risk factors include:
Previous mental health diagnoses
Family history
Substance use & intoxication
Serious or chronic illnesses
Trauma & abuse
Prolonged stress
Tragedy or loss
It can be incredibly frightening to hear suicidal thoughts come from someone or feel them yourself.
But there are more warning signs outside of verbal expressions. In fact, some of them may seem so minor that you would never think that their mind was in a dark place.
If your loved one is experiencing personality or behavioral changes outside of their ordinary, here are some warning signs to be vigilant of:
Increased substance use
Aggressiveness
Social withdrawal
Mood swings
Impulsivity & recklessness
If you begin to see the following behaviors, please seek out a qualified healthcare professional right away:
Collecting pills
Buying a weapon
Giving away their possessions
Tying up loose ends
Saying goodbye to loved ones (3)
Finding Awareness and Crisis Resources
One proposed outline to Congress includes a budget to help support the “988” hotline — a three-digit number that one can dial to receive immediate support if they are suffering from a mental health crisis.
The additional funding would allow for an excess of professionals to be available to answer the phone. The targeted date for “988” to be available across the nation is July 16, 2022. (4,5)
Outside of the crisis hotline, here are some resources to be utilized by individuals and families as well as clinicians and other healthcare professionals:
Individuals and Families
1. Make plans and honor them
According to research, physically meeting with a friend you care about strengthens both your mental and physical health. Social isolation is known to increase depression and suicidal ideations — so do your best to say “no” to relationships via text and try to spend time together, face-to-face.
2. Make family time a priority
Presuming family is not a mental health trigger for you, make an effort to prioritize quality time with your family members. This closeness has been proven to provide one with a sense of security, support, and unconditional love.
3. Find a mentor (or become one)
Being a mentor or mentee is mutually beneficial for both parties. Even if you cannot find an official role through the community, your workplace is always an option. Our jobs play a vital — and stressful — role in our lives. So, finding a newer employee to mentor or searching for a senior office staff member to reach out to can provide both self-confidence and inspiration to each.
4. Reintroduce yourself to old hobbies (or find new ones)
Begin with making a list of things that you love to do or would like to try. Finding a hobby that you love provides you with many benefits, including meeting new and like-minded people. Actively participating in a hobby can relieve stress, build self-esteem, stave off boredom, and increase excitement.
5. Practice self-care
Set aside a generous amount of time for improving yourself. You can do this by exercising, meditating, and journaling. When we proactively make choices that benefit our minds and bodies, we are better equipped to handle stressful situations, solve problems, and take care of others. (6)
Clinicians and Healthcare Professionals
Many people diagnosed with a mental condition, or seeking a diagnosis, will find help through a licensed professional.
Khara Croswaite Brindle, a licensed clinical therapist and clinical supervisor, provides the following advice to fellow professionals when it comes to helping individuals who may have suicidal ideations:
1. Stay present
When you have a patient that is talking to you about suicide, it is easy to jump to the worst-case scenario. Instead, try to stay present and allow your patient to feel their pain — this can help them to feel safe communicating with you, in essence alleviating some intensity as they talk it out.
2. Remain curious
Be curious and open to a client that is sharing their experience. This can help you to identify risks and aid you in coming up with a treatment plan.
3. Avoid band-aids
If you are a new therapist, your fear may drive you to refer your patient straight to the hospital. In fact, many patients are afraid of opening up due to this very reason — they do not want to be placed on a psychiatric hold. Instead, identify when hotlines and other safety measures are a better answer than hospitalization.
4. Support safety planning
By introducing your patient to strategic safety planning, you can feel confident that they have the tools to support themselves between sessions by utilizing the resources you provided to them. They will be made aware of warning signs, triggers, and wellness.
5. Accept chronic thoughts as comfort objects
As awkward as it may feel, your patient’s nonchalant disclosure of suicidal thoughts may actually be of comfort to them. Try to alleviate the uneasiest you’re feeling by focusing on things like coping skills and relationships. Always be sure to continue your follow-ups, just to ensure nothing critical changes.
6. Understand that it isn’t one and done
You have been trained to understand the relationship between complex risk factors. You need to continue to track your patient’s mental health — such as through the MHT assessment screener — so you can better determine the next steps.
7. Quantity > Quality
Just because one thing works for one patient, doesn’t mean it will work for another. Try to build an extensive list of tools and resources so they have a multitude of protective factors at their fingertips.(7)
Track Patient Progress and Regression
By using the MHT assessment screener, you can rest assured in your professional opinion regarding the state of your patient’s mental health.
Are they showing steady progress?
Have they plateaued?
Is there regression?
Suicide is preventable. And you have the capability of guiding patients onto a path of healing.
Contact us today to learn how MHT can help guide your decision-making.