Little problems in life seem to be spinning out of control, getting worse by the day. Your supervisor at work repeatedly tells you to work faster; your partner chides you about not cleaning up after yourself around the house. You’re irritable, sad, and don’t want to be around people – or yourself – anymore. Recently, you entertained the thought of harming yourself, but how do you know if you’re suicidal?
Facts About Suicide
Some people who consider harming themselves may also have plans to end their own life. Such an event – suicide – is a significant problem in America. In 2020, almost 46,000 people took their own lives, and more than 1 million tried. Other notable statistics:
- There are about 130 suicides per day.
- Middle-aged white men have the highest suicide rate.
- White men accounted for nearly 70% of suicides in 2020.
- Firearms accounted for almost 53% of suicides in 2020.
What Is Suicidal Contagion?
Suicide isn’t contagious the way you can catch the flu. But there is something called suicidal contagion you should be aware of. This refers to exposure to suicidal behaviors or suicide within your family, peer group, or via media reports and can lead to higher suicide rates and suicidal behaviors. Direct and indirect contact with suicidal behavior is known to herald more suicidal behaviors in people at risk, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
Risk Factors
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 46% of people who commit suicide have a recognized mental illness. But that’s not the only risk factor. Others include:
- Family history
- Substance use
- The influence of alcohol proceeding their death
- Availability of lethal firearms
- Chronic medical ailments
- Gender. Men are about four times more likely to take their own life.
- A history of abuse or trauma
- Long-term stress
- A recent loss or tragedy
Signs That You Know May Be At Risk of Suicide
If you’re worried that you’re at risk of suicide, there are warning signs that you can watch out for. Depression, low moods, and self-isolation are three things to be aware of, but other signs exist.
You may be in the throes of suicidal ideation, where you have thoughts about suicide. There are two kinds of suicidal ideation – passive and active. Passive means you’re thinking about taking your own life without formulating a plan to do so. Active suicidal ideation is much more serious. This is where you think about ending your life and begin reviewing ways to make it happen – you start the planning process.
What about other warning signs to be aware of? There are several:
- You frequently talk about wanting to die or to end your life.
- Your conversations are filled with feelings of emptiness, loneliness, and declarations you haven’t any reason to live.
- You feel trapped or that there’s no way out of the predicament you’re in.
- You’re burdened by extreme emotional or physical pain.
- You repeatedly say you’re a burden to someone else.
- Self-isolation is a big part of your day as you withdraw from loved ones and friends.
- Lately, you’ve started giving away personal belongings as they don’t have meaning in your life anymore.
- You’ve begun making the rounds, offering farewell sentiments to friends and family.
- You decide you need a will and start organizing personal business affairs.
- You were never a risk-taker, but you are now – doing things carelessly that surely could result in your own death.
- Every free moment of every day is the same — talking or thinking about death.
Diagnosis & Treatment
If you’ve come to grips with the fact that you’re suicidal, it’s not too late. Suicide can be prevented, and you can live the healthy, productive life you’ve always dreamed of. There are people who love you, but the first step is yours.
See your healthcare provider for a thorough physical examination – there may be an undiscovered medical reason for how you feel, and, if so, it can be treated. You’ll be expected to talk about personal and family history, so don’t hold anything back. You may also be referred to a mental healthcare specialist, where questions will focus on emotions, thoughts, and behaviors – to learn if they’re triggers for what you may be planning.
Depending on the warning signs and your wellness, your healthcare provider may treat your condition with talk therapy or recommend self-help strategies, diet and lifestyle changes, or antidepressant medicine to keep harmful symptoms in check. Ketamine therapy also is a possibility.
