MSU Extension Food & Health

Some people believe that talking about suicide will increase the likelihood that a person will attempt suicide. This is not true. What is true is that while suicide is hard to talk about, talking about suicide can help to save lives. Having conversations about suicide increases awareness of signs that someone might have thoughts of suicide and gives people the opportunity to intervene and connect to professional help. Additionally, talking with someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts can encourage them to express their feelings, which may bring a sense of relief and help them feel cared for.

Definitions

Suicide is a type of death that is caused by a person injuring themselves with the intent to die by that injury. Suicidal acts differ from intentional self-injury carried out without the intent to die. In some cases, a person may accidentally die from non-suicidal self-injury—such as taking too much of a drug or medication, or cutting too deeply—despite not intending a lethal outcome. These deaths are not classified as suicide, as the primary intent was not to end one’s life.

Sometimes a person will injure themselves with the intent to die, but the injury does not result in death. This is called a suicide attempt. There are also people who will think about suicide but have not acted upon those thoughts. This is called suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation is a risk factor for attempting suicide or dying by suicide, but not all people who experience suicidal ideation will act on their thoughts.

Statistics

• 4% of U.S. adults and 18% of U.S. children experience suicidal ideation.
• 6% of U.S. adults and about 8% of U.S. adolescents attempt suicide each year.
• Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for U.S. teenagers aged 15 to 19 years.
• 1 person dies by suicide every 11 minutes in the U.S.
• Over the last two decades, suicide rates have increased by over 30% in the U.S.

Risk factors for suicide

There are certain demographic characteristics that increase the risk that someone may die by suicide. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, women are more likely than men to make a suicide attempt. However, men die by suicide at a rate that is 4 times higher than women. In 2023, adults 75 years and older had the highest rates of suicide. Lastly, adults who identify as gay, lesbian and bisexual report more suicide ideas and attempts than their heterosexual counterparts. 

Aside from risk factors related to gender, age, and sexual orientation, there are psychological, social, and environmental risk factors that increase the likelihood that someone may die by suicide. These include having a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and/or a substance use challenge, especially when untreated. Additionally, individuals with a personal history or family history of suicide and a history of exposure to childhood adversity are at increased risk.

There is no single risk factor that can predict whether someone will act on their suicidal thoughts or ideas. According to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is a difficult public health issue to understand and occurs because of a combination of negative life conditions and personal risk factors. However, understanding the conditions that increase risk allows for more informed, compassionate and effective interventions, which may improve our ability to support people in crisis and prevent loss of life.

Warning signs of suicide

There are several warning signs that may indicate someone is thinking about suicide. Not everyone will exhibit all these signs, and some may be subtle or overlooked. However, being familiar with them is crucial for prevention. Recognizing these warning signs can help identify when someone may be in distress and guide the appropriate level of support and intervention.

Here is a list of concerning warning signs that should not be overlooked:

• Talking about suicide, death or dying, even in passive ways.
• Taking preparatory actions, such as writing good-bye notes, making a will or giving away belongings.
• Increasing the use of drugs, alcohol and other substances.
• Losing interest in and withdrawing from personal hobbies and work obligations.
• Having a more disheveled appearance, such as appearing not to have bathed or groomed, especially if that’s not typical for the person.
• Displaying severe, aggressive, sudden and erratic changes in behavior, such as someone who never takes risks suddenly engaging in reckless behavior.
• Experiencing a drastic increase in difficulties with eating and sleeping, in ways that are not normal for the person.
• Having a new obsession with death and dying, such as drawing pictures about violence and destruction, constantly bringing up the death of loved ones or celebrities or incessantly writing, talking or fantasizing about death in any manner.

Supporting someone with thoughts of suicide

It can be hard to talk about suicide, especially with someone you care about. Even though it is difficult, it is important to remember that the person thinking about suicide can feel better and is more likely to get help if someone they know suggests it.

Mental Health First Aid USA provides some guidelines for helping a person who is thinking about suicide.

• To keep the person safe, ask if the person has a plan and if they have the things they need to carry out their plan. If the person says that they do, call for help immediately. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or 911 are both good options to get the person help. Also, do not leave someone who is considering death by suicide alone.
• If the person does not have a plan, and is only having general thoughts about suicide, you can still call 988 for help. You can also continue to talk with the person, asking open-ended questions and listening to them. Make sure not to dismiss or minimize the person’s thoughts and feelings.
• Tell the person that you care about them and explain that they don’t have to feel this way forever. You can offer options to connect the person with support, like talking to their doctor, going to therapy, or trying a support group.
• Remember, you do not need to put yourself in danger to help a person who is thinking about suicide. Do your best to help the person feel supported and safe, but if you can’t do that by yourself then call 911 or another professional for help.

By talking with a person about their thoughts of suicide, it is possible to help save their life. To learn more about assisting people with a mental health challenge or thoughts of suicide, consider becoming a certified Mental Health First Aider. MSU Extension offers Mental Health First Aid classes on an ongoing basis. Also, continue to take care of your own mental well-being so that you are ready to help others who are struggling. One way to enhance your coping and sense of well-being is to learn about mindfulness and other stress management techniques through MSU Extension’s free classes.

If you are having thoughts about suicide, consider talking to a trusted friend, family member, coworker, sponsor, mentor, neighbor, doctor, spiritual leader or mental health professional. You can also call, text or chat with a crisis counselor by dialing 988 or going to the 988 website. You are not alone, you matter, and help is available.