“How do I know if someone is having thoughts of suicide?”
The signs may not always be clear or easily recognized so it’s good to know what behaviors, language, and environmental situations could point to someone being at risk of or thinking about suicide.
Today, at the beginning of National Suicide Prevention Week in the US, we’re partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to talk about the risk factors for suicide. These factors can include mental health conditions, life and environmental stressors, and past experiences with things like previous suicide attempts, family history of suicide, or childhood abuse and trauma.
After familiarizing yourself with these signs and risk factors, we’re asking you to share the image on social media so your friends and family can become aware, too.
ASKING THE QUESTION
If someone you know is showing a few or all of these signs or you are concerned for another reason, it’s important to then ask the question: “Are you thinking about suicide?” or “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
We know asking these types of questions can feel invasive and even a little awkward, but being direct and creating space for an honest conversation free of shame is necessary. It is important to note that asking a question such as “You’re not thinking of killing yourself, are you?” is something to avoid because it can imply that “no” is the only right answer to your question.
And research shows that asking these direct questions won’t increase someone’s risk of suicide or put the thought into their head. On the contrary, it will provide them with the chance to talk candidly about how they’re feeling. If they do share that they’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, the next step involves connecting them to professional help as quickly as possible—whether that involves going to the nearest mental health center or emergency room (if the situation requires this immediacy), or picking up the phone and calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
To hear firsthand about the experience of suicide loss and recognizing warning signs, you can listen to our conversation with Steve Nguyen on the TWLOHA Podcast here or watch our Understanding Suicide roundtable discussion here.
