Suicide is a critical issue in the United States and is the 12th leading cause of death in the country as of 2020, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Despite this, suicide still isn’t taken seriously, and more precautions should be put in place to prevent it.
Talking about suicide is important because it helps spread awareness and provides intervention methods for anyone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. If the realities of suicide are discussed and destigmatized, people will feel more comfortable reaching out for help and seeking treatment for any potential underlying mental illnesses.
The rate of suicide in the U.S. is in part caused by the lack of access to mental health care across the country, especially in rural areas. This causes mental health issues to go undiagnosed, which can lead to substance abuse, social isolation, reduced quality of life and potentially suicide, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
There are also a lot of stereotypes and discrimination against suicide and poor mental health, with some claiming that the person is selfish or just seeking attention, that suicide can’t be prevented, that talking about it will plant the idea into someone’s head or that suicide always occurs without warning. These stereotypes are harmful, and they can create a greater burden on someone and potentially lead to a lack of support from one’s friends and family. The stigma also negatively affects treatment outcomes and discourages a healthy recovery.
The most effective way to reduce the stigma around suicide is to simply talk about it. Many people think that talking about suicide will plant the idea into a person’s head, but that’s not true. The reality is that it will show the person that they are cared about and encourage them to reach out for support when needed, without fear of consequence.
Another way to destigmatize suicide is to know the warning signs of suicidal ideation. Signs can become more serious the longer they persist. Some behaviors can interfere with a person’s ability to carry on with their daily life, which increases the need for professional help. Some of the signs include: talking about suicide, feeling hopeless or like they have no reason to live, feeling like a burden to others, new or renewed substance abuse, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, extreme mood swings and social withdrawal.
Though mental illness doesn’t directly lead to suicide, it may increase a person’s chance of experiencing suicidal ideation, making it extra important to seek treatment. Seeing a therapist typically helps with suicidal thoughts, and people can also take medications for any underlying mental health conditions. A combination of the two works best in many cases, according to the American Psychological Association.
If someone you know is exhibiting any of the aforementioned behaviors, it is important to get help from a professional. Asking questions such as if they’ve thought about suicide before and if they have a plan can determine if they need immediate help.
If the person needs immediate help, don’t leave them alone; call 911 or the local emergency number, or take them to the nearest emergency room if you can do so safely. You can also call the suicide hotline number: 988. If a loved one is contemplating suicide, it is important to seek professional help, rather than trying to address the problem by yourself.
If you are a University of Idaho student, you can make an appointment with a counselor at the counseling center. The counseling center is a free and confidential resource for students to utilize.
Vanessa Werner can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @VanessaRWerner
Bob Miller
I remember when I was still a Vandal in the 1990s and Nirvana was the hot band that everybody was listening to, until the suicide of its founder Kurt Cobain. One would think he had everything to live for.