Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally taking one’s own life. It is a tragic and complex issue that can have profound effects on individuals, families, and communities. People may consider suicide for a variety of reasons, including mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, as well as factors such as trauma, substance abuse, chronic pain, or stressful life events.
Warning signs of suicide can include talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself, expressing feelings of hopelessness or being trapped, withdrawing from friends and family, giving away possessions, and displaying extreme mood swings or reckless behavior.
It’s important to take any mention or indication of suicide seriously and seek help immediately. If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing thoughts of suicide, contact a mental health professional, call a crisis hotline, or go to the nearest emergency room for assistance. Treatment for suicidal thoughts or behavior may include therapy, medication, support groups, and safety planning.
Understanding Suicide
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Warning signs of suicide can include talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself, expressing feelings of hopelessness or being trapped, withdrawing from friends and family, giving away possessions, and displaying extreme mood swings or reckless behavior. It’s important to take any mention or indication of suicide seriously.
If you suspect someone is considering suicide, it’s important to talk to them openly and honestly about your concerns. Listen to their feelings without judgment and offer your support. Encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional, crisis hotline, or emergency services.
Risk factors for suicide can include a history of mental health conditions such as depression or bipolar disorder, substance abuse, a history of trauma or abuse, access to lethal means, and a family history of suicide. Other factors, such as chronic illness, stressful life events, and social isolation, can also increase the risk.
While it’s not always possible to prevent suicide, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. This includes seeking help from mental health professionals, building strong support networks, and addressing underlying mental health conditions or substance abuse issues. It’s also important to remove access to lethal means, such as firearms or medications.
If you or someone else is considering suicide, it’s important to seek help immediately. You can contact a mental health professional, call a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or go to the nearest emergency room for assistance. Help is available, and you are not alone.
KEY TERMS
A complex condition characterized by compulsive drug use or behavior despite harmful consequences.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) A clinical term used to describe addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Physical or psychological reliance on a substance, often leading to withdrawal symptoms when use is reduced or stopped.
Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), that follow a structured, 12-step approach to recovery.
The process of overcoming addiction and maintaining a substance-free lifestyle.
The process of removing toxins from the body, often used to describe the initial stages of treatment for addiction.
The return to substance use or addictive behavior after a period of abstinence.
Physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person stops using a substance they are dependent on.