Suicide destroys the life of the person and forever changes the lives of the loved ones they leave behind. I have had a family member commit suicide, and I have been through the shock, anger, and questioning moments in my grief. I hope to share some common myths about suicide, current facts, along with signs of symptoms of someone who might be suicidal. Through this post, I hope that you can have a better understanding of the warning signs of suicide.

Common Suicide Myths

“Talking about suicide will give someone the idea to commit suicide.”
When talking about suicide with someone a suicidal person, you are not encouraging them, you are actually creating an environment where you can have an open dialog on how you can help.

“Suicidal people are unwilling to seek help.”
Studies show that more than half of adult suicide victims sought medical help within 6 months before their deaths, and most sought medical help 1 month before their death.

“There is nothing I can do to stop someone from killing themselves.”
Everyone has mixed feelings about death, and most waver until the very last moment. There is a pull between wanting to live and wanting to end the pain. Most suicidal people do not want to die, they just want the pain to stop. Stopping the pain in an impulse to end it all; the good news is pain does not last forever.

“You’re crazy if you try to kill yourself.”
Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. Most likely that are feeling upset, grief-stricken, depressed, despairing, having great emotional or physical pain.

“IF someone is talking about suicide they won’t do it.”
Most everyone who commits or attempts suicide has given some clue or warning sign. DO NOT IGNORE suicide threat, sometimes talking about death, or not seeing a way out can be masked in jokingly or said casually, take them seriously.

Facts about Suicide

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US for all ages.

There is one death by suicide in the US every 13 minutes.

Depression affects 20-25% of Americans ages 18+ in a given year.

Only half of all Americans experiencing an episode of major depression receive treatment.

80% -90% of people who seek treatment for depression are treated successfully using therapy and/or medication.

An estimated quarter million people each year become suicide survivors

There is one suicide for every estimated 25 suicide attempts.

1 out of 6 students nationwide (grades 9-12) seriously considered suicide in the past year.

Suicide attempts are nearly two times higher among Black and Hispanic youth than White youth.

LGBT Suicide Facts

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24.

LGB youth are 4 times more likely and questioning youth are 3 times more likely, to attempt suicide as their straight peers.

Nearly half of transgender young people have seriously thought about taking their lives, and one-quarter report having made a suicide attempt.

LGB youth who come from highly rejecting families is 8.4 times as likely to have attempted suicide as LGB peers who reported no or low levels of family rejection.

Each episode of LGBT victimization, such as physical or verbal harassment or abuse, increases the likelihood of self-harming behavior by 2.5 times on average.

Warning Signs of Suicide

These are some warning signs of suicide if someone is presenting these signs they could be at risk for suicide. The risk is always greater if they have just started showing many these behaviors and have experience a painful event, loss or change.

Things you could hear someone say

“it won’t matter soon anyway.”

“I don’t deserve to live. I suck.”

“Things never get better.”

Saying something nice and ending it with “ill miss you.”

“I feel like ending it all.”

Behaviors or Statements That Could Be Warning Signs of Suicide

Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.

Not caring about their future saying things like “it won’t matter soon anyway.”

Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.

Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun, or has a plan on how they might kill themselves

Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.

Talking about being a burden to others.

Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.

Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.

Sleeping too little or too much.

Withdrawn or feeling isolated.

Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.

Displaying extreme mood swings.

Loss of interest in things one cares about.

Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.

Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order.

Giving things away, such as prized possessions.

What to do if you are someone you know is thinking about suicide

Talk about Suicide with someone. If you think someone is suicidal talk to them, suicidal thoughts are common in those with mental health issues, and your willingness to talk and create non-judgment, and be non-confrontational can help the person get help.If you think your family member is in danger, or you are thinking about suicide go see a doctor or mental hath professional immediately. Call 911, go to the emergency room, or call the National Lifeline at 1-800-273-Talk (8255).

Don’t keep a plan for suicide a secret. If someone tells you that they are thinking about suicide, tell someone. Don’t worry about risking your friendship if you think their life is in danger. It is better to lose a relationship for violating the person trust then to go to their funeral.

Don’t minimize problems You might not think that their situation is that bad, but that you and they feel different about it. Your opinion is irrelevant to them. Don’t shame them into changing their mind, or make them feel guilty. The best way is to show support, acknowledge their feelings, and express how much you care, and that pain is temporary and life can get better

Last if please check out these resource

Check out the National Suicide prevention Life Line or call 1-800-273-Talk (8255).

For LGBT youth who are experiencing suicidal thoughts visit The Trevor Project or call/text 866-488-7386
Please leave a commit below on if this helped, and your own personal stories about suicide. Let’s all work together to share this information so another life is not wasted by suicide.