Suicide Prevention - Ask About It

This month (September) is Suicide Prevention Month. While this should always be a priority concern, this month focuses on raising awareness of this important issue. This month provides an opportunity to change public perception, share information, and instill hope. The goal is to make sure that individuals, family and friends have access to the resources needed to address suicide prevention and to get the help needed. 
Since the focus of this month is awareness, what exactly can be done to increase awareness of suicide and suicide prevention. It is common knowledge that suicide is a serious problem in our society. The data and statistics related to suicide support this.  But how can we look past the statistics and numbers and focus on the individuals, families, and friends who experience the impact of suicide, and what can be done to increase the awareness of this.
Awareness
Addressing suicide is not just about raising awareness of the problem, but also about raising awareness of the issues that contribute to suicide. Suicide prevention involves changing the mindset by.

• Have open conversations: having conversation gives an opening for dialogue and can create change. This should be a conversation and not a debate.
• Using social media responsively: social media can be a good tool to provide facts and resources or provide support. Consider posting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, encouraging quotes, or facts about evidence -based treatment.
• Sharing personal experiences: personal experiences can be eye opening for someone who has a bias related to mental health issues.
• Reach out to someone: reach out to someone if you think they are struggling. Take the time to listen and to talk to them. Ask the questions and let them know you are available to support them.
• Listening: listen in a non-judgmental manner. Let them know it is acceptable to talk about suicide. Do not talk down to them. Do not tell them to ‘get over it’. Remember good communication is as much about listening as it is talking.
• Exploring attitudes towards mental health: think about and explore your feelings and knowledge related to suicide.
• Encouraging people to get help: addressing stressors and issues early has been shown to be a positive way to address problems before they worsen.

Communication is essential in changing the mindset about suicide. This is reinforced by this year’s focus for suicide prevention month which is ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’. This includes the call of action: # Start the Conversation.
 
Changing the narrative involves a shift the culture of silence and stigma to one of understanding, openness, and support. This starts with communication.
Communication
# Start the Conversation involves ideas, key messages, resources, social media posts, webinars and other opportunities to learn and talk about suicide prevention. Suicide prevention focuses on having conversations. Having conversations with ourselves, with. loved ones, with community, and about mental health support resources.

• The conversation with ourselves: Often there are negative narratives about mental health and suicide. This results in stigma, which contributes to feelings of shame and uncertainty. What we say to ourselves and others can help in changing negative perceptions. Our words can encourage hope and resilience and influence how others think. What we say can help ourselves and others understand that suicide is preventable, there is help, and there is hope.
• The conversation with loved ones:  When someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the people they are close to are first contacts. If someone is experiencing emotional distress, talking with them will make a difference and possibly get them the help they need. Talking about suicide is difficult, but it is one of the most effective ways to prevent it. Everyone should be aware of the five action steps from #Bethe1to  that help in having these conversations. The five steps are:
  • Ask
    • Ask open and direct questions, such as: Are you thinking of suicide? This give the message that you are willing to discuss suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way. Also be willing to listen.
  • Be There
    • Be physically present, speak with them on the phone, or show up in ways that demonstrate support.
  • Help Keep Them Safe
    • Make sure they have not hurt themselves and ask them if they have a plan for suicide.
  • Help Them Connect
    • An example of this is developing a safety plan designed to guide people through a crisis, and with the goal of keeping them safe and getting help.
  • Follow Up
    • Follow up and check to see how they are doing. Call, text, send a message. Check to see if there is anything else you can do.

 

• The conversation with community
  • Mental health and suicide should be talked about at a community level. This can increase awareness and support of suicide prevention.
• The conversation about mental health support resources
  • People are good resources to find support in communities. It is helpful to know you are not alone in what experiences you are going through. Talking with someone can help drastically. There are helpful resources related to mental health, suicide and suicide prevention available. These resources can help increase awareness and understanding of suicide and suicide prevention, along with providing important resources, tools, and help. Check these resources out.
    • Suicide Prevention Resource Center
    • National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
    • Words Matter: Learning how to talk about suicide
    • National Institute of Mental Health: Suicide Prevention
    • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

While open, direct, and nonjudgmental communication is essential in the prevention of suicide. We must also approach this issue with empathy and compassion.  We must look beyond the statistics, facts, and data sometimes, and get in touch personally. Acts of kindness can make a difference. A handwritten note, going for a cup of coffee, sending flowers, and spending quality time together will sometimes save a life.
Suicide Prevention Month gives opportunities to change perceptions and give hope. It is also a time to remember the lives lost and think about the millions of others who have struggled with suicidal thoughts. In doing this, we can reflect on how we can make a difference. Remember, just asking someone ‘Are You OK’ can make a difference!
                                               
                                                                                   Peggy Fossen DNP, RN, CNE     

 
References
#BeThe1To. (2023, September 15). https://www.bethe1to.com/
988 lifeline. 988 Lifeline. (n.d.). https://988lifeline.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-c). Suicide data and statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html
Fuller, K. (2020, June 18). Compassion, tough conversations and suicide prevention. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-is-state-mind/202006/compassion-tough-conversations-and-suicide-prevention
National Suicide Prevention Month. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2024, September 3). https://afsp.org/national-suicide-prevention-month/
Suicide prevention awareness month. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - MN Dept. of Health. (n.d.). https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/suicide/basics/awarenessmonth.html
Suicide prevention month. NAMI. (2024, August 30). https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-month/
World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide Call Back Service. (2023, August 31).  https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/worried-about-someone/how-to-raise-awareness-world-suicide-prevention-day/