Suicide Prevention – Counselors and Therapists in Hanover, VA
Suicide has quickly become a major topic of discussion with its rise in diagnosis over the last decade. Over 40,000 individuals both young and old, die by suicide each year in the United States and it is the 10th leading cause of death. Suicide is tragic because it is often triggered by a treatable mental illness. Learning the warning signs for suicide can help save lives.
Signs and Symptoms
- Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
- Hopelessness or conversations about having no reason to live
- Making a plan to kill themselves
- Extreme guilt or shame
- Feeling trapped
- Feeling unbearable emotional pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increase in alcohol or drugs use
- Acting anxious or agitated
- Withdrawing
- Change in eating and/or sleeping habits
- Rage
- Risk taking
- Talking about death often
- Extreme mood swings
- Giving away possessions
- Saying goodbye to friends and family
- Making a will
If these signs apply to you or someone you know, please get help as soon as possible. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for assistance. The Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The hearing impaired can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889.
Risk Factors
Suicide knows no boundaries and can impact people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Due to the increase in overall daily stress that many people face, suicides have increased amongst the rich and poor. Individuals of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk. Suicidal tendencies are complex and cannot be reduced to one single factor. There can be many factors that ultimately trigger a person to commit suicide. The main indicators of suicide risk are:
- Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder
- Certain medical conditions
- Chronic pain
- Prior suicide attempts
- Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse
- Family history of suicide
- Family violence
- Having firearms in the home
- Recent release from prison or jail
- Being exposed to others’ suicidal behavior
Individuals may have some of these risk factors but never resort to committing suicide. Suicide is an extreme decision that can often be prevented if the individual gets help to sort through the factors that are driving the thoughts of suicide. Often times, stress management is needed to reduce the symptoms of suicide and therefore avoiding suicide altogether. Suicidal thoughts are a sign of extreme distress and should not be ignored.
Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide. Children and young adults also are at risk for suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 34. Consequently, the internet has played a huge role in helping children and teens identify suicide methods.
Generally, family and friends are the first to notice the symptoms of suicide and can play critical role in helping their loved one get the help that they need. Again, no one is exempt. Finding someone who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions is important to helping make sure another life is not lost too soon.
