Suicide is PREVENTABLE
Let’s try something different! Let’s look at suicide as a symptom and not as a problem. The PROBLEM is whatever stressor, or risk factor, is leading that person to thoughts of suicide. We need to treat the problem to avoid the symptom. Let’s use a dental analogy to help us understand. If the problem is an infected tooth, then treat the infection. If the problem is not treated, symptoms of the problem will begin to manifest. Symptoms of an infected tooth include tooth pain, sensitivity to heat and cold, fever, swelling, bad breath, and ultimately, the tooth must be pulled. In this analogy, pulling the tooth is the worst-case scenario. Just like, suicide is the worst-case scenario to stress. We need to identify what stressor is leading someone to suicidal thoughts. Then treat that stressor, then the symptom will never be an issue.
First things first
Identify warning signs.
We must pay attention to each other and look for warning signs of suicide. Some common warning signs include:
Being isolated
Increased anxiety
Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Expressing hopelessness
Increased substance use
Looking for a way to access lethal means
Sleeping too little or too much
Increased anger or rage
Extreme mood swings
Talking or posting about wanting to die
Making plans for suicide
2. Ask the hard question.
Don’t be afraid to ask if the person is having thoughts of suicide.
People often worry about asking if someone is having thoughts of suicide. They don’t ask because they worry that they might put the thought of suicide in their head. This is a common fear, but luckily it lacks scientific evidence.
A scientific review was conducted in 2014, which investigated the common fear that enquiring about suicide and related behaviors may bring about or prompt suicidal thoughts. The researchers found the opposite, in fact, and concluded that there was no statistically significant increase in suicidal ideation among study participants who were asked about suicide.
The researchers stated, “Our findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may, in fact, reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation and may lead to improvements in mental health in treatment-seeking populations.”
As you listen to the Veteran, let him or her do the talking, and use supportive and encouraging comments. Use the following steps to let the Veteran know you are listening and acknowledge his or her experience.
Talk openly about suicide – Be willing to listen and allow the Veteran to express his or her feelings
Recognize the situation is serious
Do not pass judgment
Reassure them that help is available
3. Consider the most common means of suicide.
According to the CDC, the most common means of suicide are firearms, suffocation, and poisoning.
The impulsivity of suicide is a main contributing factor in firearms being involved in between 46 and 71% of suicides. The variable in the percentage is determined by the age of the person who ended their life by suicide. The percentage of suicide deaths that involved a firearm was lowest among those aged 25–44 years (45.1%), highest among those aged ≥65 years (70.8%), among people between 10 and 25 had a percentage of (52%), people aged between 45-64 had a percentage of (52%).
A study conducted in 2001 on 13- to 34-year-olds who had attempted suicide found that approximately 50 percent of participants spent only 5 to 19 minutes in suicidal deliberation before their attempt.
This data shows why it is so important to implement firearms safety, especially when a person is suicidal.
Suicide Safety Plan
Click here for a resource to help you put together a suicide safety plan for your Veteran
