According to the CDC, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. In Indiana, suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-34 and the 4th leading cause of death for ages 35-54. To put this further into perspective, one Hoosier dies of suicide every eight hours.These statistics are alarming, especially since suicide is seen as a taboo topic and shouldn’t be discussed. Yet, as a society, we mourn victims of suicide, questioning where things went wrong, all the while criticizing those who struggle with depression. It’s a double-edged sword and why Grey Matters of Carmel invites you to join us as we recognize our responsibility to highlight September as World Suicide Prevention Month.
Signs of Suicidal Ideation
To recognize the signs of suicidal ideation is to debunk the myths surrounding suicide and why it’s such a taboo topic, we must first recognize that ideas and thoughts around the subject are not signs of weakness, attention-seeking, or being selfish. These notions only drive the idea further into an individual’s consciousness, leaving them to believe that there is no way out of their current life situation or that the world would be a better place without them.
So, what are the signs of someone who’s suicidal? It can look slightly different for everyone, but many times individuals who commit suicide also struggle with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even adult ADHD.
Some possible signs to look for include:
- Making amends with loved ones and friends
- Abusing drugs/alcohol
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Talking about being a burden
- Isolating oneself
- Extreme mood swings
- Social withdrawal
If you recognize a loved one acting strangely or appearing not to be doing well, it’s time to check in on them and make sure they’re doing okay. Sometimes, a simple conversation with a friend can save a life.
Suicide Risk Factors
Similarly, you must recognize the triggers that would lead someone down this path. Not everyone experiences the same triggers, but these are some of the most significant ones that leave someone feeling helpless and hopeless:
- Financial stress or changes
- Bullying (in person and online)
- Mental health struggles
- Relationship problems
- Poor social support
- The death of a loved one
How You Can Help
Knowing how to help someone who is suicidal can be tricky, leaving many to think that doing nothing or not bringing it up is better than a conversation. Some people have the misguided idea that talking about suicide with someone implants it in their minds. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, talking to someone about how they’re feeling and why they think suicide is their best and only option often helps them walk back from the mental edge.
Still, it’s crucial that you get your loved one professional help. While a reassuring conversation can prevent them from following through for a short period, they will ultimately need help from the professionals. So, here are some vital local resources you can use:
- 911
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- National Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Community Health Network Text Line: Text HELP NOW to 20121
- Community Health Network Crisis Line: 1-800-662-3445 or 1-317-621-5700
- Vincent Youth Services Stress Center: 1-800-872-2210 or 1-317-388-4800
Get Help with Mental Health Care
We can all agree that sometimes we have “stinkin’ thinkin’.” But for most of us, those thoughts are fleeting, and they go as quickly as they came. However, for someone struggling with their mental health, these thoughts stick around. Depression, PTSD, and anxiety can all make you feel like life is too much to bear. However, Grey Matters of Carmel wants you to know that there is a better solution! Neurofeedback can train your brain and create healthier, happier neural pathways that mitigate your feelings of gloom. So, if you’re ready to try a different approach to suicide prevention, give us a call at (317) 215-7208.
