Suicide Prevention and Awareness: A Community Approach

FSG Clinical Director Kathy Livingston, LCSW, shares information about suicide risk and protective factors, and how to talk with those we love about this sensitive issue.

With September being Suicide Prevention Awareness month, Family Service of Glencoe is committed to joining the Village of Glencoe in supporting our community by educating and informing all who work and live in Glencoe about suicide prevention and awareness.

Suicide can be a scary topic to talk about, and yet, there is research that shows that talking about suicide can prevent it in many cases.  Suicidepreventionlifeline.org states that “evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.”  But how do we as family members and community members talk and listen to our relatives, friends and colleagues? Before you can be helpful to someone, it is important to understand some facts about suicide.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, “suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but it’s important to be aware of these.

Risk Factors (from AFSP.org):

  • Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
  • Alcohol and other substance use disorders
  • Hopelessness
  • Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
  • History of trauma or abuse
  • Major physical illnesses
  • Previous suicide attempt(s)
  • Family history of suicide
  • Job or financial loss
  • Loss of relationship(s)
  • Easy access to lethal means

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change.

Warning Signs (from afsp.org):

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
  • Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Extreme mood swings

If your loved one is exhibiting any of these warning signs and you are concerned, call the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Many people may not exhibit warning signs but have persistent depression or anxiety.  Depression is often a factor in suicide attempts. Here are ways you can help.

Check-in and show up – if you have a loved one or friend who you know is struggling with depression or other mood disorders, or perhaps he/she has recently experienced a life-changing event or loss, check-in and have a conversation with the person. Don’t underestimate the importance of showing up and being there for someone.

What to Say (and Not Say) – sometimes it can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is struggling.  It can be as simple as saying, “I know you’re struggling and want you to know I’m here and will always be here for you.”

Don’t say things like: “Cheer up.”  “Things aren’t so bad.”  “I’m sure tomorrow will be better.” It’s better to offer support to the person rather than trying to cheer them up or problem-solve.

Don’t be afraid to ask if he/she is feeling suicidal. It’s a myth that talking about suicide will encourage someone to think more about it or cause it to happen. Experts say the opposite is true.  If the person says they are thinking about suicide, staying calm and asking him/her about their plan and getting specifics will be helpful. If the person is seeing a therapist or psychiatrist, you can have them call their mental health professional with you there. If that’s not possible, you can call Family Service of Glencoe during business hours and/or call Public Safety 24/7 for help.

Saying something is always the better choice if you’re concerned about a loved one, friend or colleague.  By learning to talk more about suicide, we raise awareness and heightened awareness can result in prevention.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, or need support in helping someone who is, please call Family Service of Glencoe for help at 847-835-5111.

SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION: Resources That Can Help

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org   1-800-273-TALK (8255)

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  www.afsp.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/suicide/index.html

Suicide Prevention Resource Center  www.sprc.org

#BeThe1To  www.bethe1to.com

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education  www.save.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness  www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month