SUICIDE PREVENTION
*If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
Now more than ever, it’s important that we be there for one another and take steps to prevent suicide. Suicide prevention is at the reach of everyone, not just for mental health professionals or organizations (National Suicide Prevention). Every year, organizations raise awareness of suicide prevention to remember those affected by suicide, raise awareness, and focus on efforts that direct treatment to those who need it most (National Suicide Prevention Month)
Below are some statistics, tips, and resources regarding suicide prevention, though this is only a start to bringing awareness to and preventing suicide and not an exhaustive list.
If you would like to request an AS+K? Suicide Prevention Training delivered by MHA of Greater Houston, you can do so here.
ASK About Suicide to Save A Life™ is a best practice, gatekeeper training that teaches how to identify suicide risk factors, protective factors, warning signs, and appropriate referral strategies. Mental Health America of Greater Houston is currently offering a virtual, 1-hour training.
Facts & Information (Source // Source):
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US. It’s the 2nd leading cause of death among ages 15-24.
- Since May 2020, there has been a dramatic spike in suicidal or self-harm thinking through screenings. More than 21,000 people reported this, four times the average numbers from November to January
- 44,000 Americans die by suicide each year. There are 13.8 deaths by suicide per 100,000 persons each year
- 40% of Trans* adults reported having made a suicide attempt
- LGBTQ+ youth are almost 5x more likely to have attempted suicide than non-LGBTQ+ youth
- Self-Injury:
- Child & Adolescent Suicide
- Back to School: Preventing Suicide
- Recognizing Warning Signs & How to Cope
- Preventing Suicide in Older Adults
WARNING SIGNS
(Source)
*Any of these signs does not mean the person is considering suicide, though several of the symptoms may signal a need for help*
- Verbal threats such as “you’d be better off without me”
- Expressions of hopelessness and helplessness
- Previous suicide attempts
- Daring or risk-taking behavior [outside of the ordinary]
- Personality changes
- Depression
- Giving away prized possessions
- Lack of interest in future plans
IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS CONSIDERING SUICIDE
(Source)
- Trust your instincts that the person may be in trouble
- Talk with the person about your concerns, make sure to listen!
- Ask directly about suicide without being judgmental. The more detailed the plan, the greater the risk
- Get professional help, even if there’s hesitation
- Do not leave the person alone
- Do not swear to secrecy or make promises
- Do not act shocked or judgmental
- Do not counsel the person yourself
Resources
- Resource for Immediate Response
- Take a free Mental Health Screening
- Mobile Applications
- Texas Resources
- Texas Suicide Prevention Toolkit
- Texas Suicide Prevention Information Library
- Dial 211 to connect to Mental Health Resources
- Texas Mental Health Support Line: 1-833-986-1919
- TX Health & Human Services (to locate crisis lines and local mental health authorities by county)
- Texas Council of Community Centers
- Texas Veterans Mental Health Program
- TexVet Initiative
- National Resources