Suicide and Suicidal Thoughts
Suicide often carries its own
stigma, which is difficult to
disentangle from. People may
want to end their lives for
many reasons, but feelings of
isolation and hopelessness are
very real and intense. Suicide
or a suicide attempt is usually
an effort to escape a situation
that feels overwhelming. Major
life transitions, serious physical
illness, a major loss, isolation, or
substance use may all increase the
risk for suicide or suicide attempts.
Signs that someone is suicidal
may include giving possessions
away; talking about death
or ‘being done’ with this life
or this world; talking about
being trapped or in unbearable
pain; increased use of alcohol,
medication, or drugs; extreme
mood swings; or withdrawal.
These situations can be difficult
to handle in someone we care
about. The best way to assist
those with suicidal thoughts is
to talk with them honestly and
assist them with getting help.
Take what they say seriously and
without judgment. Let them know
they are important and you care
about them, their life, and their
problems. Make sure you talk in
private to preserve their dignity
and keep them calm. Encourage
Support is key
to recovery from
mental illness.
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them to seek help, and offer to go
with them if they would like the
support. Talking about suicide,
or asking someone if they are
suicidal, does not increase the
risk that someone will act on their
feeling to commit suicide. It is
important to ask people who are
thinking about ending their life
if they have a plan on when and
how they would do so. They may
be relieved to tell someone. If
the person plans to end their life
soon, they need help quickly; call
a distress line, 911, or get them to
medical care as soon as possible.