How to Prevent Suicides

There is help for people contemplating suicide. -File Photo

By Carlos Tejeda & 

Dr. Brenda Boatswain

NYC News Network 

October 11, 2023

NEW YORK - September was Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Between 2021 and 2022, suicide in the US increased by 2.6% with 49,500 people dying by suicide in 2022.  

Suicide is death caused by injuring oneself willingly or with ambivalence. A suicide attempt is when someone harms themselves with any intent to end their life, but they do not die because of their actions. 

Suicide is a serious public health challenge that can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. Having suicidal thoughts and/or suicidal behaviors, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues. 

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What are the risk factors for suicide?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides the following helpful information: suicide and suicidal behavior are influenced by negative conditions in which people live, play, work, and learn. These conditions, sometimes called social determinants of health, can include racism and discrimination in our society, high unemployment, poverty, limited affordable housing, lack of educational opportunities, and barriers to physical and mental healthcare access, among others. 

Other factors that can increase suicide risk include mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, other mood disorders, family history of suicide, previous suicide attempts, relationship problems, feeling a lack of connectedness to others, easy access to deadly means, experiences of abuse and trauma, adverse childhood experiences, bullying, and serious health conditions.

Some groups experience more negative social conditions and other factors and have higher rates of suicide or suicide attempts than the general U.S. population, including veterans, people who live in rural areas, sexual and gender minorities, middle-aged adults, people of color, and tribal populations.

Are there warning signs before a person dies by suicide?

Sometimes people show signs that they are thinking about suicide, but not always. Some signs to be concerned about include changes in physical appearance and hygiene, increase in alcohol or other drug use, sudden drop in grades, socially isolating, talking about suicide or death, risky behaviors such as unsafe driving, unsafe sex, cutting or burning themself, talking about feeling hopeless or having nothing to live for, and researching suicide methods and/or acquiring weapons.

How can we talk about and prevent suicide?

In discussing suicide, the American Psychological Association suggests the following:

• State your concern to the person. It’s a myth that if you mention suicide, you might plant the idea.
• Really listen. Do not shut down an upsetting conversation. Instead, say, “Tell me more about how you are feeling.” Then listen.
• State your love and care for the person, that you will make sure they get help, and will be there for them every step of the way. 
• Maintain connection. Spend time with them yourself, even watching TV or playing video games sends a signal that you’re there.
• Trust your judgment. If someone denies that they are having suicidal thoughts and you doubt their honesty, take steps to ensure their safety.
• Prioritize Safety. Remove weapons from the house, make sure they are not left alone and consult a mental health professional right away.

The National Suicide and Crisis hotline 9-8-8 is free, available in over 200 languages, and here for everyone. If you or someone you know is a clear and present danger to themselves or others, then call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you or someone you know is in an emotional crisis reach out and call or text message to 9-8-8 anytime 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, anytime of year.  Start with a text if a phone call is too scary. It could be a short text message that says, “I have some important things on my mind that I want to talk about.” 

Remember, it is important to have open conversations, to raise awareness and end stigma. Suicide is not an answer to problems. There is hope and help.

To request a workshop on mental health in your community, contact Carlos Tejeda at ctejeda@montefiore.org. To learn more about mental health services at Montefiore, call (718) 430-2290 or visit https://www.montefiore.org/psychiatry-services.

Carlos Tejeda, community health specialist at Montefiore’s Office of Community and Population Health at Montefiore Medical Center speaks with Dr. Brenda Boatswain, wellbeing manager at Montefiore Einstein and Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Social Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine