Suicide Prevention: A Guide for Caring Partners and Parents
As mental health professionals, we know how devastating suicide can be for individuals, families, and communities. In Utah, we're facing a true public health crisis, with the state ranking 6th highest in the nation for suicide rates. On average, 670 of our neighbors, friends, and loved ones die by suicide each year in Utah. The tragedy is especially acute among our youth, as suicide is the leading cause of death for Utahns ages 10-17 and the second leading cause for ages 18-24.
Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is a complex issue, and people from all walks of life can be at risk. However, certain factors and populations tend to face elevated dangers. Utah males have a suicide rate nearly 4 times higher than females. The American Indian/Alaska Native community experiences rates more than 3 times the national average. And LGBTQ+ individuals, especially transgender and nonbinary youth, are disproportionately impacted, with 82% reporting having considered suicide.
It's also important to be aware of the warning signs, both obvious and subtle:
Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
Looking for ways to kill themselves, like searching online or buying guns
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Talking about being a burden to others
Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
Acting anxious or agitated
Withdrawing from family and friends
Changing eating and sleeping habits
Taking risks that could lead to death, such as reckless driving
Giving away prized possessions
Saying goodbye to loved ones
Putting affairs in order, making a will
Taking steps to hide the plan
It's critical not to make assumptions about someone's mental state based on their outward persona. People who seem happy and successful on the outside can actually be struggling in silence. Paying close attention to changes in behavior and reaching out with compassion can make all the difference.
Postpartum depression is another often-overlooked risk factor. Up to 1 in 7 new mothers experience this condition, which can include thoughts of self-harm. Feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and detachment from the baby are all red flags that need immediate attention.
So what can we do to support those at risk and prevent these tragedies? The first and most crucial step is to be vigilant about recognizing the warning signs - both the obvious and the more subtle ones. Paying close attention to changes in behavior and reaching out with compassion can make all the difference.
As partners and parents, there are important steps you can take to help prevent suicide among your loved ones:
Learn to recognize the warning signs, both obvious and subtle. Pay close attention to changes in mood, behavior, and communication.
Reach out with compassion and let your loved one know you are there to listen without judgment. Make it clear you care about their wellbeing.
Encourage your loved one to seek professional help, whether that's contacting a therapist, calling a crisis hotline, or visiting their doctor. Offer to help them make appointments and attend sessions.
If your loved one is in immediate crisis, do not leave them alone. Remove access to firearms, medications, or other potentially lethal means. Call 988 or your local emergency services.
Promote social connection and reduce isolation by spending quality time together, introducing them to supportive communities, and encouraging healthy coping mechanisms.
Take care of yourself too. Supporting a loved one through suicidal thoughts can be emotionally draining. Make sure you're also accessing counseling, support groups, or other resources.
Addressing suicide on an individual level requires patience, empathy and a commitment to getting your loved one the help they need. With the right support and access to care, there is hope.
To address the crisis in our state, support local endeavors and policies that:
Promote connectedness and reduce isolation through social support programs
Provide effective mental health and substance abuse treatment
Implement evidence-based therapies like Lifespan Integration
Educate on suicide risk factors and warning signs
Encourage help-seeking behavior and reduce stigma around mental health
Ensure and discuss access to crisis intervention services like the 988 Lifeline
Limit access to lethal means like firearms through partnerships with gun shops, ranges, etc.
Implement universal suicide risk screening in healthcare settings
Provide suicide-specific training for first responders, clinicians, and other gatekeepers
Address social determinants of health like poverty, discrimination, and lack of resources
Support suicide attempt survivors and those bereaved by suicide
Conduct suicide surveillance and research to inform prevention efforts
Enact policies and legislation to fund and sustain suicide prevention programs
Taking a multi-pronged, public health approach is essential to effectively preventing suicide on an individual and community level. By addressing risk factors, increasing protective factors, and ensuring access to quality care, we can save lives and support those struggling.
Limiting access to lethal means, like firearms and pills, is a proven suicide prevention strategy. Research shows a strong link between household gun ownership and increased suicide rates, as many attempts happen impulsively. Partnering with firearm retailers, instructors, and customers on education and safety measures is one way communities can address this risk factor.
Improving access to quality mental health care is essential too. Around 90% of those who die by suicide had a diagnosable mental health or substance use disorder. Therapy, crisis intervention, and support groups can provide vital support and coping mechanisms. Unfortunately, Utah ranks dead last in the nation for mental health resources, leaving many struggling to find the care they need.
Suicide is a devastating reality that far too many families have had to face. If you have a loved one who is at high risk, it's crucial that you take their mental health seriously and provide them with the support they need. This may involve encouraging them to seek professional help, checking in on them regularly, and educating yourself on the warning signs and available resources.
Most importantly, don't be afraid to have open and honest conversations with your loved one about how they're feeling. Let them know that you care, that you're there for them, and that you're committed to helping them through this. With patience, understanding, and access to the right resources, there is hope.
Innovative solutions like the SafeUT app are making a real difference, providing free, confidential 24/7 crisis support and connecting users directly with licensed therapists. For those in distress, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition at 801-503-7982 offer additional resources and support.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, don't wait - contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org immediately. Your life, and the life of your loved one, is precious.
