I guess it is appropriate to comment on the recent suicide deaths that are in the news cycle (Anthony Bordain, Kate Spade), and the attention on the number of suicides each day in US. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15-24 year old, and 25-34 year old individuals. Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death for individuals who are 35-44 years old, and 45-54 years old. The rate is increasing for all age groups, male/female, ethnic groups, nationalities. The suicide rate for veterans is staggering.
In my experience, as an individual descends down the slope of considering suicide, the window of opportunity to intervene is open for a short period of time – it can be a sudden and spontaneous decision; and many individuals who are normally around the individual will say they never saw an indication the individual was considering suicide at that point in time.
While the “symptoms” of suicide are fairly well published and in the media (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml ); one common characteristic is a loss of hope and belief that suicide is the only available choice to end the pain. Some individuals have expressed to me that they don’t want to even discuss suicide with a physician or therapist out of fear they will be immediately hospitalized (choices and decision making lost). So successful intervention can be tough.
Just coming along side an individual to understand their pain and offering an opportunity to be a safe outlet for them to externalize internal pain and feelings is often very helpful – “Hey, are you ok? Let’s talk”. Sure, sometimes hospitalization is a needed option. But, for some individuals, just feeling and believing that someone else “gets you” and understands what is happening around you, is enough to get your friend, spouse, loved one, colleague, to step back and see that other options exist for resolving their inner pain and distress, beside suicide.
If you or someone you know is having recurring thoughts of suicide, or seem to be in “bad place” and need help, come along their side and ask them to tell you what is going on. Just listen!
Also, I am always available to anyone considering suicide, or find themselves thinking about it more and more, or are just “tired” and need relief. Call me!
Be well.