September is recognized globally as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. It’s a time to engage in open dialogue, spread awareness, and e quip ourselves with the tools to support those at risk of suicide. At Grit Psychology, we believe in the power of conversation and community to prevent tragic outcomes and help individuals find hope in their darkest moments. Suicide is a complex and multifaceted issue that impacts people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances. Raising awareness is critical because it creates opportunities for support, reduces stigma, and fosters a culture where individuals feel safe to reach out. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of suicide prevention, how to recognize the signs of suicide risk, and how to engage in meaningful, compassionate conversations that could help save a life. 

Understanding Suicide: Key Facts and Myths 

Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, and every year millions of people struggle with thoughts of taking their own life (World Health Organization, 2021). Yet, due to the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, many suffer in silence. Debunking some common myths is a good starting point for breaking down barriers to conversation and support. 

Myth: People who talk about suicide aren’t serious and won’t really go through with it. 

Fact: Taking about suicide may be a person’s way of seeking help or expressing deep emotional pain (Maple et al., 2019). Taking such statements seriously and providing support is critical. 

Myth: Asking someone about suicide might plant the idea in their mind. 

Fact: Research Shows that asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide does not increase the risk (Wärdig et al., 2022). Instead, it opens the door for important dialogue. 

Muth: Only people with mental health disorders are at risk of suicide. 

Fact: While mental illness, including depression and anxiety, increases suicide risk, many factors contribute to suicidal ideation, including trauma, life stressors, and feelings of hopelessness (Valderrama et al., 2020). 

Recognizing the Warning Signs 

Being able to recognize the signs that someone may be considering suicide is one of the most important tools for prevention. While everyone’s experience is unique, there are common warning signs that might indicate a person is at risk: 

1. Homan et al., (2022) describe Verbal Cues: 
   • Talking about feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, or feeling like a burden to others.
   • Direct or indirect mentions of suicide, such as “I wish I could disappear” or “People would be better off without me.” 
2. Kim et al., (2021) explore Behavioral Changes: 
   • Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed.
   • Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse or reckless driving.
   • Increased mood swings or drastic changes in behavior (e.g., extreme calmness after a period of depression). 
3. Bagge et al. (2022) offer Emotional Signs: 
   • Persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, or anger.
   • A sense of helplessness or feeling trapped in their situation. 
   • Sudden relief or euphoria after a long period of depression, which might signal that the person has made a decision to act on their suicidal thoughts. 

If you notice any of these signs in someone close to you, it is crucial to act. While it can be daunting, having a conversation with the individual could be lifesaving. 

How to Have the Hard Conversations 

Talking about suicide is not easy, but it is necessary. These conversations can feel uncomfortable, but they are essential in helping someone who may be at risk. Jobes (2023) offer some tips for approaching this sensitive topic: 

1. Start with Empathy and Compassion: Approach the conversation from a place of care and concern. You might start by saying, “I’ve noticed you’ve been struggling lately, and I want to know how I can support you.” 
2. Ask Directly About Suicide: It is important to ask directly if the person is thinking about suicide. Phrasing like, “Are you thinking about ending your life?” or “Do you feel like things are so bad that you want to die?” can provide an opening for honest conversation. Avoid euphemisms or indirect language, as these can confuse the person or make them feel ashamed. 
3. Listen Without Judgement: Let the person speak freely without interruption or judgement. Avoid offering solutions or downplaying their feelings. Saying things like “You shouldn’t feel that way” or “You have so much to live for” can be counterproductive. Instead, validate their emotions with statements like, “I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way” or “It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time.” 
4. Encourage Professional Support: Let the individual know that it’s okay to ask for help and that professional support is available. Encourage them to talk to a counselor, therapist, or helpline. You can offer to help them connect with mental health resources or accompany them to an appointment if they are comfortable. 
5. Ensure Immediate Safety: If the person indicates that they have a plan or means to harm themselves, do not leave them alone. Seek immediate support by contacting emergency services or a suicide prevention hotline. In Canada, you can call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service (1-833-456-4566) for 24/7 crisis support. 

Building a Culture of Awareness and Support 

Suicide prevention requires a collective effort, and every individual can contribute by fostering a culture of support and openness. Reducing the stigma around mental health is key to ensuring that those struggling feel safe enough to reach out for help. Simple acts like checking in on loved ones, showing compassion, and educating ourselves about mental health can make a profound difference.

As a community, we need to challenge the misconceptions about suicide and mental health. At Grit Psychology, we are committed to supporting individuals and families navigating life’s challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to reach out to our team for compassionate, professional care. You are not alone, and help is available. 

Resources for Suicide Prevention 

• Canada Suicide Prevention Services: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7 crisis support) 
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (for youth in distress) 
• Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 686868 (24/7 crisis support via text) 

At Grit Psychology, we’re here to support you and your loved ones through life’s toughest challenges. Let’s work together to promote mental wellness and prevent suicide – one conversation at a time. 

_References 

_{Bagge, C. L., Littlefield, A. K., Wiegand, T. J., Hawkins, E., Trim, R. S., Schumacher, J. A., Simons, K., & Conner, K. R. (2022). A controlled examination of acute warning signs for suicide attempts among hospitalized patients. Psychological Medicine, 53(7), 2768-2776. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291721004712} 

_{Homan, S., Gabi, M., Klee, N., Bachmann, S., Moser, A. -M., Duri’, M., Michel, S., Bertram, A. -M., Maatz, A., Seiler, G., Stark, E., & Kleim, B. (2022). Linguistic features of suicidal thoughts and behaviors: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 95, 102161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102161} 

_{Jobes, D. A. (2023). Managing suicidal risk: A collaborative approach. Guilford Publications.} 

_{Kim, E. J., Kim, Y., Lee, G., Choi, J. H., Yook, V., Shin, M., & Jeon, H. J. (2021). Compare warning signs of suicide between suicide descendants with depression and those non-diagnosed psychiatric disorders. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 52(2), 178-189. https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12739} 

_{Maple, M., Frey, L. M., McKay, K., Coker, S., & Grey, S. (2019). “nobody hears a silent cry for help”: Suicide survivors’ experiences of disclosing during and after a crisis. Archives of Suicide Research, 24(4), 498-516. https://doi.org/10.1080/13811118.2019.1658671} 

_{Valderrama, J., Macrynikola, N., & Miranda, R. (2020). Early life trauma, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts: The role of rumination and impulsivity. Archives of Suicide Research, 26(2), 731-747. https://doi.org/10.1080/13811118.2020.1828208} 

_{Wärdig, R., Engström, A.-S., Carlsson, A., Wärdig, F., & Hultsjö, S. (2022). Saving lives by asking questions: Nurses’ experiences of suicide risk assessment in telephone counselling in Primary Health Care. Primary Health Care Research & Development, 23. https://doi.org/10.1017/s146342362200055x} 

_{World Health Organization. (2021). Suicide worldwide in 2019: global health estimates. World Health Organization. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/341728/9789240026643-eng.pdf?sequence=1.}