American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and NH Coalition for Suicide Prevention Sponsor “Talk Saves Lives”
Talk Saves Lives is a community-based presentation that provides suicide prevention and covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention and what people can do to fight suicide. On April 7th, AFSP partnered with the NH Coalition for Suicide Prevention (NHCSP) to offer a one-hour virtual lunch & learn to 30 interested attendees.
The highlights:
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S.
Ninety percent of people who died by suicide had a mental health condition at the time of their death,
Well over a million people in the U.S. each year survive a suicide attempt,
U.S. suicide rates are highest among industries including mining; quarrying oil and gas; construction; arts, entertainment and recreation; agriculture; forestry; fishing & hunting; sports & media and personal care and services.
Language matters. For example, using phrases like “died by suicide”; “ended their life” and “death by suicide” instead of “committed suicide”.
Contributions to suicidal behavior include: Previous suicidal behavior; mental health conditions (depression, eating disorders, physical health conditions, substance use etc.); physical health conditions (chronic pain etc.); family history of mental illness; childhood trauma (abuse, neglect etc.); Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI); genetics and ongoing social factors (rejection, victimization, race or gender-related discrimination, prejudice, systemic racism and historical trauma).
Protective factors include: Resilience; strong sense of personal identity; social and problem-solving skills; connection; social support; willingness to participate in mental health sessions and access to mental healthcare.
There are several groups who are particularly vulnerable to suicide, including:
Older adults: (due to depression and chronic illness and pain). Support them with caring conversations; discovering hobbies to do with them; finding ways to encourage community connectedness.
LGBTQ+: (due to social stigma, prejudice and discrimination or rejection by family). Support them with increasing acceptance and affirmation of LGBTQ+; access to physical and mental health.
Veterans: (due to difficulty readjusting to civilian life; exposure to traumatic events; homelessness; mental health conditions; substance us disorders and firearm ownership). Support them with safe storage of firearms; increased access and use of mental health services and support transitioning back to society.
Thoughts of suicide are often temporary. It is important to:
Watch for warning signs.
Reach out and have conversations. Listen with empathy; ask directly about suicide – doing that will not “put the idea in their heads.” It can be a big relief for them to talk. If they say they have been thinking about suicide, find out more.
Keep the environment safe. For example, limit access to lethal means.
Provide help and connect them to resources. Time may allow the crisis to de-escalate.
To learn more about suicide prevention, visit: www.afsp.org or www.zerosuicidesnh.org.