Suicide: We need to talk about it
World Suicide Preventation Month is September but not many people know about it. Here’s why it’s important to talk about.
Jenny Han / Asst. Opinion Editor
If you’ve felt like quarantine was draining you mentally, you’re not alone. During COVID-19, the CDC states that there has been an upward trend in mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, especially for younger adults and minorities. Observing World Suicide Prevention Month, even though World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on Sept. 10 passed, has become increasingly important.
WSPD is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention. They collaborate with the World Health Organization and World Federation for Mental Health to “raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented.” As of February 2020, suicide is listed as the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. and “second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally.”
Even without COVID-19, there was a prevalent increase in mental health disparities in Generation Z. A July and August 2018 study done by the American Psychological Association with 3,458 adults and 300 15- to 17-year-olds reveal that Gen Z was 27% more likely to report their mental health as fair or poor, compared to millennials and Gen X. In addition, there has been a 56% increase in suicide rates from children ages 10 to 24 in America from 2000 to 2017. It is also important to mention that men are more likely to die by suicide but women are more likely to attempt suicide.
Certain minority groups are more vulnerable to suicide. Youths that are part of the LGBTQ+ community are three times more likely to contemplate suicide and five times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual peers. In addition, American Indian and Alaska Native youth and middle-aged persons have the highest rate of suicide compared to other ethnicities.
Contrary to common belief, people who contemplate or commit suicide don’t do it for attention or because they’re weak. An April 2019 study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information reveals that “the key factor leading to suicide is unbearable mental pain,” especially the desire to escape their situation and pain. Feeling like a burden and like you don’t belong are also key factors to suicide ideation.
Although not specific indicators, there are certain risk factors that may make it more likely that someone will consider or commit suicide. The CDC categorizes it into four levels: individual, relationship, community, and societal. Individual includes a previous history of mental illness (specifically mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders), alcohol and other substance abuse, history of trauma and abuse, and previous attempts of suicide. Relationship includes a history of abusive/violent relationships, family history of suicide, lack of social support, and financial struggles. Community includes inadequate sense of community and barriers to healthcare. Societal include the available means to commit suicide, unsafe media portrayals of suicide, and the stigmas associated with getting help.
One of the best ways to prevent suicide is to know the warning signs. Those suffering from suicidal thoughts often state their intentions through mentions of wanting to die or kill themselves, feeling empty/hopeless/having no reason to live, a plan to commit suicide, guilt or shame, feeling trapped, unbearable pain either mental or physical, and/or being a burden to others. Other warning signs include changes in mood and behavior which may include increased use in alcohol and other substances, withdrawing from friends and family, altered eating and sleeping habits, increased risk-taking behaviors, mood swings especially showing rage or a sudden mood shift from being very sad to very happy, and engaging in goodbyes through giving away their possessions and actively saying goodbye to those around them. The full list can be found on the National Institute of Mental Health.
One good way to help someone struggling with suicidal thoughts is to direct them to the many free resources that they can take advantage of.
An effective way that you can help support someone struggling with suicidal thoughts is by being there for them by listening to them and offering them your support. Though it is a difficult, and often taboo, subject, talking about mental illness and suicide is beneficial to both those suffering from these issues as well as their friends and family. One of the best ways to combat the stigmas and misconceptions about suicide is by talking about them. Assuring your loved ones that their struggles are valid helps them feel less isolated. Suicide is something that can and should be prevented.