I had a patient who lost her adult daughter to suicide many years ago. This patient was one of the kindest, most selfless people I knew. She was a loving mother and grandmother, a NICU nurse whose life’s calling was to take care of sick babies, and an insightful person who was always quick to pick up on other people’s feelings and needs.
After the tragedy, my patient would travel and discover things her daughter would have liked, which instantly reminded her of her loss. She would wonder, What if? What could she have done differently to prevent the suicide? It broke my heart to see her struggling to be strong for the rest of the family, whose lives were falling apart. Years later, the family is still trying to put the pieces back together.
This family is not alone. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, with almost 45,000 victims each year. That's approximately 123 Americans who die from suicide each day. Many more attempt suicide or have periods of time when they can’t shake thoughts of wanting to end their lives. I've seen many patients with these demons in their past. Some still struggle with suicidal thoughts. Some look upon their second chances with renewed appreciation for life. All of them are profoundly affected by these experiences with suicidality.
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, with almost 45,000 victims each year. That's approximately 123 Americans who die from suicide each day.
Suicide is a serious and complicated issue. It’s not always easy to see when someone is contemplating suicide, and there isn’t always a fool-proof, one-time fix. It’s often a taboo topic, and people are afraid to seek help or share their experiences because of the stigma associated with suicde. Fortunately, there are more and more resources to help those who are struggling, and to empower their loved ones with knowledge and tools.
Here are five important tips for family, friends, and other community members, and I hope to help open the dialogue for those who are feeling alone in their struggle with suicide.
#1 - Know the risk factors of suicidal thoughts
Risk factors are situations that make a person more likely to experience suicidal thoughts. Let's walk through them.
Mental Illness
One major risk factor is having a mental illness. These mental illnesses include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Personality disorders
- Substance misuse
It is estimated that most people who complete suicide had an underlying mental illness, often undiagnosed. However, it’s important to know that not everybody who has committed...
Keep reading on Quick and Dirty Tips
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