Suicide Prevention

Suicide prevention means recognising the warning signs, offering support, and guiding people to professional help. Suicide can be prevented, and there is always hope. If you are having thoughts of suicide, remember you are not alone, and help is available.

 

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

Understanding Suicide

Risk Factors

Warning Signs

Protective Factors

How to Help Someone Who May Be Suicidal

What NOT to Say or Do

Professional Treatment

Recovery and Hope

Suicide Prevention in Different Populations

Community Prevention Efforts

After a Suicide Attempt

Postvention: After a Suicide Death

Myths and Facts About Suicide

Self-Care for Helpers

Hope and Healing

Crisis Resources

Related Terms

References

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Understanding Suicide

What Is Suicide?

Suicide is when someone intentionally ends their own life. It usually happens because of deep emotional pain, hopelessness, and feeling trapped by current problems. Most people thinking about suicide don’t actually want to die; they want relief from their suffering.

Suicide is a complex issue that can affect anyone, no matter their age, gender, race, or background. It often results from a combination of factors such as mental health conditions, stressful life events, and a lack of support. Knowing about suicide helps us recognise when someone needs help and how to offer it.

 

Important Facts About Suicide

• Suicide is preventable - Most people who are suicidal don't actually want to die; they want their pain to end
• Warning signs exist - There are usually warning signs that someone is considering suicide
• Help is effective - Professional help and support from others can prevent suicide
• Recovery is possible - People can recover from suicidal thoughts and go on to live fulfilling lives
• You can make a difference - Your support and care can save someone's life

 

 

Risk Factors

Mental Health Conditions

• Depression - The most common condition linked to suicide.
• Bipolar disorder - Especially during depressive episodes.
• Anxiety disorders - Risk is higher when combined with depression.
• Substance use disorders - Alcohol and drug use increase suicide risk
• Schizophrenia - Risk is greater, especially early in the illness.
• Personality disorders - Particularly borderline personality disorder.
• PTSD - Trauma can significantly increase suicide risk.

 

Life Circumstances

• Recent loss - Death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, or other major losses
• Financial problems - Serious financial difficulties or bankruptcy
• Legal troubles - Arrests, lawsuits, or other legal issues
• Relationship problems - Breakups, conflicts, or social isolation
• Health problems - Serious illness, chronic pain, or disability
• Academic or work stress - Overwhelming pressure or failure
• Bullying or harassment - Especially among young people

 

Personal History

• Previous suicide attempts - The strongest predictor of future suicide risk
• Family history - Suicide or mental illness in family members
• Childhood trauma - Abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences
• Social isolation - Lack of social support and connections
• Access to lethal means - Easy access to firearms, medications, or other methods
• Impulsive behaviour - Tendency to act without thinking through consequences

 

Demographic Factors

• Age - Risk increases with age, but suicide affects all age groups
• Gender - Men die by suicide more often, and women attempt suicide more often
• Sexual orientation - LGBTQ+ individuals have higher rates
• Military service - Veterans have higher rates than civilians
• Occupation - Some professions have higher rates (healthcare, law enforcement, farming)

 

 

Warning Signs

Verbal Warning Signs

• Talking about suicide - "I want to die," "I wish I was dead," "I'm going to kill myself"
• Talking about being a burden - "Everyone would be better off without me"
• Expressing hopelessness - "There's no point," "Nothing will ever get better"
• Talking about feeling trapped - "I can't see any way out," "I'm stuck"
• Expressing severe emotional pain - "I can't stand this pain," "I hurt so much"

 

Behavioural Warning Signs

• Increased substance use - Drinking more alcohol or using more drugs
• Withdrawing from others - Isolating from family, friends, and activities
• Giving away possessions - Distributing prized items or making a will
• Saying goodbye - Unusual or unexpected farewell conversations
• Researching suicide methods - Looking up ways to die or obtaining means
• Sudden mood improvement - Sometimes people feel better after deciding to attempt suicide
• Reckless behaviour - Taking dangerous risks or acting without regard for safety

 

Emotional Warning Signs

• Severe depression - Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
• Extreme mood swings - Rapid changes from very low to very high moods
• Intense anxiety or agitation - Feeling extremely anxious, restless, or agitated
• Rage or anger - Uncontrolled anger or thoughts of revenge
• Feeling trapped - Believing there's no way out of current problems
• Shame or guilt - Overwhelming feelings of shame, guilt, or humiliation

 

Physical Warning Signs

• Sleep changes - Sleeping too much or too little
• Appetite changes - Eating significantly more or less than usual
• Fatigue - Extreme tiredness or lack of energy
• Physical complaints - Headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained symptoms
• Appearance changes - Neglecting personal hygiene or appearance

 

 

Protective Factors

Personal Strengths

• Coping skills - Healthy ways of dealing with stress and problems
• Problem-solving abilities - Skills to work through difficulties
• Hope and optimism - Belief that things can get better
• Reasons for living - Strong connections to family, friends, pets, or goals
• Religious or spiritual beliefs - Faith that provides meaning and support
• Self-esteem - Positive feelings about yourself and your worth

 

Social Support

• Strong relationships - Close connections with family and friends
• Community involvement - Feeling connected to your community
• Professional support - Access to mental health care and other services
• Peer support - Connections with others who understand your experiences
• Cultural connections - Strong ties to a cultural or ethnic community

 

Environmental Factors

• Access to mental health care - Available and affordable mental health services
• Restricted access to lethal means - Limited access to firearms, medications, or other methods
• Safe and supportive environment - Home, school, or work environments that are supportive
• Economic stability - Having basic needs met and financial security
• Social policies - Community and government policies that support mental health

 

 

How to Help Someone Who May Be Suicidal

Take It Seriously

• Listen without judgment - Take their feelings and concerns seriously
• Don't dismiss their pain - Avoid saying things like "you have so much to live for"
• Ask directly - It's okay to ask, "Are you thinking about suicide?"
• Stay calm - Your calm presence can be reassuring
• Don't promise to keep it secret - You may need to get help to keep them safe

 

Provide Immediate Support

• Stay with them - Don't leave them alone if they're in immediate danger
• Remove lethal means - Help remove access to firearms, medications, or other methods
• Call for help - Contact 988, 911, or take them to an emergency room
• Contact their support system - Reach out to family, friends, or their therapist
• Follow up - Check in with them regularly after the crisis

 

Connect Them to Professional Help

• Encourage professional treatment - Help them find a mental health professional
• Offer to help - Offer to help them make appointments or go with them
• Provide resources - Give them crisis hotline numbers and other resources
• Support their treatment - Encourage them to continue with therapy and medication
• Learn about their condition - Educate yourself about their mental health condition

 

Long-term Support

• Stay connected - Maintain regular contact and check in with them
• Be patient - Recovery takes time, and there may be setbacks
• Encourage healthy activities - Support them in activities they enjoy
• Help with practical needs - Assist with daily tasks if they're struggling
• Take care of yourself - Supporting someone with suicidal thoughts can be emotionally draining

 

 

What NOT to Say or Do

Avoid These Responses

• "You have so much to live for" - This dismisses their current pain
• "Suicide is selfish" - This adds guilt and shame to their suffering
• "Think about your family" - They may already feel like a burden
• "Things could be worse" - This minimises their experience
• "Just think positive" - Depression makes positive thinking very difficult
• "I know how you feel" - Everyone's experience is unique
• "You're just seeking attention" - All suicidal behaviour should be taken seriously

 

Don't Do These Things

• Don't leave them alone - Stay with them or ensure someone else can
• Don't promise to keep it secret - Their safety is more important than secrecy
• Don't argue with them - Avoid debating whether suicide is right or wrong
• Don't act shocked - Stay calm and supportive
• Don't give advice - Focus on listening and getting professional help
• Don't try to solve all their problems - Focus on immediate safety and professional help

 

 

Professional Treatment

Types of Mental Health Professionals

• Psychiatrists - Medical doctors who can prescribe medication and provide therapy
• Psychologists - Doctoral-level professionals who provide therapy and assessment
• Licensed clinical social workers - Master's level professionals who provide therapy
• Licensed professional counsellors - Master's level professionals who provide therapy
• Psychiatric nurse practitioners - Nurses with specialised training who can prescribe medication

 

Types of Treatment

Individual Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - Helps change negative thought patterns
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) - Teaches skills for managing emotions and relationships
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) - Focuses on relationship issues
• Psychodynamic therapy - Explores unconscious thoughts and past experiences
• Solution-focused therapy - Focuses on finding solutions to current problems

 

Medications

• Antidepressants - Can help with depression and suicidal thoughts
• Mood stabilisers - Help with bipolar disorder and mood swings
• Anti-anxiety medications - Can help with severe anxiety
• Antipsychotic medications - May be used for certain conditions
• Sleep medications - Can help with sleep problems

 

Intensive Treatment

• Inpatient hospitalisation - 24-hour care for people at immediate risk
• Partial hospitalisation - Day treatment programs
• Intensive outpatient programs - More frequent therapy sessions
• Crisis stabilisation - Short-term intensive treatment
• Residential treatment - Longer-term residential care

 

Safety Planning

• Written safety plan - A specific plan for what to do during a crisis
• Warning signs - Identifying personal warning signs of suicidal thoughts
• Coping strategies - Healthy ways to deal with suicidal thoughts
• Support contacts - List of people to call for help
• Professional contacts - Therapist, doctor, and crisis line numbers
• Making the environment safe - Removing or securing lethal means

 

 

Recovery and Hope

Recovery Is Possible

• Many people recover - Most people who have suicidal thoughts do recover
• Treatment works - Professional treatment is very effective
• Support helps - Having supportive people makes a big difference
• Time helps - Suicidal crises are temporary, even though they don't feel that way
• Life can improve - With help, people can find hope and meaning again

 

Building a Life Worth Living

• Finding purpose - Discovering what gives your life meaning
• Building relationships - Developing supportive connections with others
• Developing skills - Learning healthy ways to cope with stress and problems
• Taking care of yourself - Focusing on physical and mental health
• Setting goals - Working toward things that matter to you
• Helping others - Many people find meaning in helping others who struggle

 

Maintaining Recovery

• Continuing treatment - Staying connected with mental health professionals
• Taking medication - If prescribed, taking medication as directed
• Using coping skills - Practising healthy ways to deal with stress
• Staying connected - Maintaining relationships with supportive people
• Monitoring warning signs - Being aware of signs that you might be struggling
• Having a safety plan - Knowing what to do if suicidal thoughts return

 

 

Suicide Prevention in Different Populations

Children and Adolescents

• Warning signs - May be different from adults (behavioural changes, academic problems)
• Risk factors - Bullying, academic pressure, family problems, social media
• Prevention - School-based programs, family involvement, peer support
• Treatment - Often involves family therapy and school collaboration
• Special considerations - Developmental factors affect treatment approach

 

Older Adults

• Risk factors - Health problems, loss of loved ones, social isolation, financial stress
• Warning signs - May be overlooked or attributed to normal ageing
• Prevention - Social connections, healthcare access, depression treatment
• Treatment - May need to address multiple medical conditions
• Special considerations - Ageism can affect access to mental health care

 

LGBTQ+ Individuals

• Higher risk - Face discrimination, rejection, and minority stress
• Risk factors - Family rejection, bullying, discrimination, lack of support
• Prevention - Supportive families, schools, and communities
• Treatment - LGBTQ+-affirmative therapy and support
• Special resources - LGBTQ+-specific crisis lines and support groups

 

Veterans and Military

• Higher risk - Combat exposure, PTSD, military culture, access to firearms
• Risk factors - PTSD, depression, substance use, transition difficulties
• Prevention - Military and veteran-specific programs
• Treatment - Trauma-informed care, veteran-specific services
• Special resources - Veterans Crisis Line and VA mental health services

 

People with Chronic Illness

• Higher risk - Chronic pain, disability, medical complications, loss of functioning
• Risk factors - Depression, hopelessness, burden on family, loss of independence
• Prevention - Integrated medical and mental health care
• Treatment - Addressing both physical and mental health needs
• Special considerations - May need adapted treatment approaches

 

 

Community Prevention Efforts

Public Awareness

• Education campaigns - Teaching people about suicide prevention
• Reducing stigma - Changing attitudes about mental health and suicide
• Training programs - Teaching people how to recognise warning signs and help
• Media guidelines - Responsible reporting about suicide
• Social media - Using social platforms to share prevention messages

 

Gatekeeper Training

• Who are gatekeepers - People in positions to identify at-risk individuals
• Types of gatekeepers - Teachers, coaches, clergy, healthcare workers, friends, family
• Training content - How to recognise warning signs, how to respond, how to refer
• Programs - QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), Mental Health First Aid
• Effectiveness - Training increases knowledge and confidence to help

 

Means Restriction

• Reducing access - Making it harder to access lethal means during a crisis
• Firearms - Safe storage, waiting periods, extreme risk protection orders
• Medications - Safe storage, disposal programs, packaging changes
• Other methods - Barriers on bridges, restricted access to certain locations
• Effectiveness - Means restriction saves lives by providing time for the crisis to pass

 

Screening and Identification

• Healthcare settings - Screening for suicide risk in medical settings
• Schools - Programs to identify at-risk students
• Workplaces - Employee assistance programs and mental health resources
• Community settings - Screening in various community locations
• Follow-up - Connecting identified individuals to appropriate care

 

 

After a Suicide Attempt

Immediate Care

• Medical treatment - Addressing any physical injuries from the attempt
• Safety assessment - Evaluating ongoing suicide risk
• Mental health evaluation - Comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional
• Safety planning - Developing a plan to prevent future attempts
• Support system - Involving family and friends in recovery

 

Follow-up Care

• Intensive treatment - Often need more intensive mental health treatment
• Medication management - May need medication or medication changes
• Therapy - Regular therapy sessions to address underlying issues
• Case management - Coordination of various services and supports
• Peer support - Connection with others who have similar experiences

 

Recovery Process

• Understanding triggers - Learning what led to the suicide attempt
• Developing coping skills - Learning healthy ways to deal with problems
• Building support - Strengthening relationships with family and friends
• Finding meaning - Discovering reasons for living and sources of hope
• Preventing future attempts - Ongoing work to maintain safety and well-being

 

 

Postvention: After a Suicide Death

Immediate Response

• Crisis support - Providing immediate support to those affected
• Information sharing - Sharing accurate information about what happened
• Preventing contagion - Taking steps to prevent additional suicides
• Memorial services - Planning appropriate ways to remember the person
• Media response - Working with media to ensure responsible reporting

 

Supporting Survivors

• Grief support - Helping family and friends cope with their loss
• Guilt and blame - Addressing feelings of guilt and self-blame
• Practical support - Helping with funeral arrangements and other practical needs
• Long-term support - Ongoing support as survivors work through their grief
• Suicide survivor groups - Connecting survivors with others who understand

 

Community Healing

• Community meetings - Bringing people together to process the loss
• Counselling services - Providing counselling for those affected
• Prevention efforts - Using the tragedy to strengthen prevention efforts
• Memorial activities - Appropriate ways to honour the person's memory
• Learning opportunities - Using the experience to improve prevention

 

 

Myths and Facts About Suicide

Common Myths

• Myth: People who talk about suicide won't do it
• Fact: Most people who die by suicide have talked about it or given warning signs

• Myth: Asking about suicide will give someone the idea
• Fact: Asking about suicide does not increase risk and often provides relief

• Myth: Suicide happens without warning
• Fact: Most suicides are preceded by warning signs

• Myth: People who attempt suicide are just seeking attention
• Fact: All suicidal behaviour should be taken seriously

• Myth: Once someone is suicidal, they're always suicidal
• Fact: Suicidal thoughts can be temporary and treatable

• Myth: Suicide only affects people with mental illness
• Fact: While mental illness increases risk, suicide can affect anyone

 

Important Facts

• Suicide is preventable - Most suicides can be prevented with proper intervention
• Warning signs exist - There are usually warning signs before a suicide attempt
• Help is available - There are many resources and treatments available
• Recovery is possible - People can recover from suicidal thoughts and attempts
• Everyone can help - You don't need to be a professional to help prevent suicide

 

 

Self-Care for Helpers

Emotional Impact

• Secondary trauma - Helping someone suicidal can be emotionally difficult
• Feeling responsible - It's normal to feel responsible, but you're not
• Anxiety and worry - It's common to feel anxious about the person's safety
• Grief and loss - If someone dies by suicide, you may experience grief
• Burnout - Helping others can be emotionally draining

 

Taking Care of Yourself

• Set boundaries - You can't be available 24/7
• Get support - Talk to friends, family, or a professional about your feelings
• Practice self-care - Take care of your own physical and mental health
• Know your limits - Recognise when you need professional help
• Don't do it alone - Involve other people and professionals

 

When to Get Professional Help

• Feeling overwhelmed - If you feel like you can't handle the situation
• Your own mental health - If helping is affecting your own well-being
• Complex situations - When the person has multiple risk factors or problems
• After an attempt - Professional help is usually needed after a suicide attempt
• When in doubt - It is always safer to seek expert advice if unsure

 

 

Hope and Healing

Messages of Hope

• You are not alone - Many people have felt this way and recovered
• This feeling is temporary - Suicidal crises don't last forever
• Help is available - There are people who want to help you
• You matter - Your life has value and meaning
• Recovery is possible - With help, you can feel better
• There are reasons to live - Even when you can't see them right now

 

Finding Reasons to Live

• Relationships - People who care about you and would miss you
• Future goals - Things you want to accomplish or experience
• Pets - Animals who depend on you and love you
• Curiosity - Wanting to see what happens next in your life
• Helping others - Using your experience to help others who struggle
• Small pleasures - Things that bring you joy, even if small

 

Building a Support Network

• Family and friends - People who care about you
• Mental health professionals - Therapists, counsellors, psychiatrists
• Support groups - Others who understand what you're going through
• Crisis resources - Hotlines and crisis services
• Community resources - Religious organisations, community centres
• Online communities - Supportive online groups and forums

 

 

Crisis Resources

National Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call or text 988 (available 24/7; US Service)
• Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 (US service)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - suicidepreventionlifeline.org (US service)
• Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth) - 1-866-488-7386 (US service)
• Trans Lifeline - 877-565-8860 (US service)
• Veterans Crisis Line - 1-800-273-8255, Press 1 (US service)

 

 

Global Helplines & Emergency Services

If you are in immediate distress, please reach out for help. You are not alone.

• Call 988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7; US Service)
• Text "HELLO" to 741741 - Crisis Text Line (US service)
• Call 911 - For immediate emergency assistance (US service)
• Call 999 - For immediate emergency assistance (UK)
• Go to your nearest emergency room
• Find a helpline, suicide hotline, or crisis line in your country: https://www.therapyroute.com/article/helplines-suicide-hotlines-and-crisis-lines-from-around-the-world
• Find an emergency ambulance number in your country: https://www.therapyroute.com/article/ambulance-emergency-numbers-worldwide-list-by-therapyroute

 

 

 

Related Terms

• Depression - A Mental health condition often associated with suicide risk
• Crisis Intervention - Immediate help for people in mental health crisis
• Mental Health Crisis - Situations requiring immediate mental health intervention
• Safety Planning - Developing plans to stay safe during suicidal thoughts
• Grief and Loss - Coping with the death of someone by suicide

 

 

References

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2023). Suicide Statistics. https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Suicide Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/index.html

National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Suicide Prevention. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention

World Health Organisation. (2023). Suicide Prevention. https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions about mental health concerns.