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If you thought a friend or loved one was considering suicide, what would you do?
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. It has increased by 37% since 2000.
“Suicide rates remain deeply concerning, especially among teens and young adults,” said Cambria Bruschke, Kaiser Permanente’s national project lead for suicide prevention.
Recent data shows that suicide remains the second leading cause of death for people 10 to 24 years old, and has increased by 56% over the past decade.
The statistics are alarming, but the good news is that help and resources are widely available. Reaching out – whether to a friend, family member, or a crisis hotline – can make a lifesaving difference.
Bruschke recommends specific actions you can take to help support the people you love.
How do you help someone who is suicidal?
Whether you’re thinking about suicide or are concerned about someone else, the most important thing is to talk about it. If someone confides in you, listen and encourage them to seek help.
“Some people worry that bringing up the topic of suicide with someone they are concerned about may put the idea in their mind,” said Bruschke, “but we know from the research that this isn’t the case. We need to be able to ask people directly if they’re having thoughts of harming themselves.”
Don’t be afraid to be direct. If you’re concerned, you can ask, “Have you been thinking about suicide?”
You can learn how to start conversations about mental health with your friends and family members in a nonthreatening and nonjudgmental way.
Learn about suicide prevention strategies
Take the time to learn about suicide. Learn what to say and what to do if someone you know is struggling.
“One of my favorite campaigns is Take 5 to Save Lives,” said Bruschke. “It guides you through 5 simple things you can do to get involved and stay informed.”
Know the warning signs of suicide
Keep an eye out for any changes, especially in behavior. Listen for expressions of worthlessness, sadness, isolation, or anger. Watch for either acting out or withdrawal, especially in teenagers.
Create safe places
If someone you know has considered a specific method for self-harm, remove access to that method from the immediate environment.
For instance, if someone has considered using a gun for self-harm, removing all firearms or safely locking them away can make all the difference in a crisis.
Any step that puts a barrier between thoughts of suicide and a potential means for acting on those thoughts creates the space for a different choice.
Learn more about suicide prevention from the personal story of a survivor and mental health advocate.
Help and resources are available for anyone considering suicide, as well as for people who are concerned about a friend or loved one.
Suicide hotline
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
You’ll be connected directly to a crisis-trained counselor. Support is available 24/7. It’s free and confidential.
Mental health emergency
If you or someone you know needs immediate emergency medical services for a mental health crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Mental health care
Kaiser Permanente members can get connected to care at kp.org/mentalhealth.