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Many of us have been touched by suicide.  Sadly, 137 Americans die from suicide each day on average.  Nearly 50,000 Americans died from suicide in 2023, according to the CDC, with the rate of suicide in the US increasing by 30 percent since the mid-1990s. 

These deaths impact our communities in innumerable ways, including long-term physical and mental health consequences for family and friends of the suicide victim.  In fact, loved ones of a suicide victim or of someone who attempts suicide are more likely to experience thoughts of taking their own lives.

The National Institute of Mental Health notes multiple potential suicide warnings including:

• Expressing feelings of hopelessness and wanting to die.
• Withdrawing from family and friends and giving away possessions.
• Increased risk-taking behaviors, including substance abuse.
• Talking about excessive guilt and shame.

If you or someone you know is thinking of taking their life:

• Call 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline, which provides free and confidential support for those in crisis. 
• It is alright to ask if someone is thinking about killing themselves.  Studies show that asking the question doesn’t increase the chances of someone attempting suicide and may start an important conversation.
• Maintain open communication while remaining calm and non-judgmental without minimizing the feelings of someone who is thinking about suicide.
• Stay connected as good family and community support and an engaged healthcare team decrease the risk of suicidal thoughts.
• Remove weapons, medications, and other potential means of causing self-harm from the immediate environment of someone who might attempt suicide.
• Call 911 or bring the individual to the emergency room if you have significant concerns.  Don’t leave someone with significant thoughts of suicide alone.