September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which is dedicated to educating the community about suicide prevention and how to recognize the warning signs. Suicidal thoughts or tendencies can impact anyone regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic status. 

Suicide is a topic that many of us aren't comfortable discussing. To say it is a sensitive issue is an understatement, especially when you consider the numbers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2020, 1.2 million American adults attempted suicide, and a staggering 3.2 million planned an attempt. If this doesn't put in perspective how severe of an issue suicide is in the United States, consider this: in 2020, suicide ranked as the second leading cause of death for Americans aged 10-14 and 25-34. Santa Barbara County is also feeling the effects, leaving students feeling helpless when they learn about the loss of a peer on their campus.

The impact of suicide on the attempting individual, their family, and the greater community is far-reaching. Those who survive a suicide attempt may be left with life-altering physical and psychological injuries. The loved ones, family members, friends, and coworkers of individuals who die by suicide are left with emotional scars, often experiencing depression and feelings of guilt themselves.

We can all play a part in supporting someone experiencing a mental health challenge by educating ourselves and being willing to check in with the individual. Remember that our words matter.  SAY... "Jane died by suicide."  [NOT... "Jane committed suicide."] We would not use the words, “she committed cancer,” or, “he committed a heart attack.” When we use the phrase, “committed suicide,” we are actually placing blame and increasing stigma, which may lead to feelings of shame. This kind of language does not acknowledge the fact that suicide is often the consequence of an unaddressed mental illness.

By recognizing potential warning signs in our friends and family, we can both help save lives and build strong and healthy individuals and communities. 

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• Self-isolation. Removing oneself from activities, especially those that an individual previously enjoyed, can indicate a bigger problem.

• Irrational risk-taking. Driving extremely fast, acting recklessly, and the overall lack of care for one's safety can be an indicator that a person is struggling.

• Mood changes. People who are considering suicide may display one or more of these moods: depression, anxiety, shame, sudden relief, irritability, and agitation.

• Excessive or inadequate sleep. Sleeping too much or too little can be a sign that someone is seriously struggling with their mental health.

• Substance use. Exhibiting signs of new or increased drug or alcohol use is a clear sign that something is not right.

• Final goodbyes. Reaching out to friends and loved ones to say goodbye, or speaking in a way that suggests a prolonged absence, requires immediate intervention.

• Getting rid of prized possessions. Giving away one's favorite items, especially when it occurs seemingly out of nowhere, is a reason for concern.

• Fatalistic talk. If someone you know speaks about feeling hopeless, being a burden, having no purpose or will to live, and/or killing themselves directly, seek immediate professional help.

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Aside from the warning signs, there are several risk factors that may increase the likelihood that an individual will attempt suicide. More specifically, people who have experienced violence, bullying, sexual assault, or child abuse may be at greater risk. Some racial groups have higher suicide rates than others; according to the CDC, Native American and non-Hispanic White groups exhibit the largest numbers. LGBTQ+ youth are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society (The Trevor Project).

If you suspect that someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you can show your support by asking, "Are you ok?" or, "Are you thinking about suicide?" and saying, "I am here to listen." Rather than trying to change their situation or fix things, practice active listening to validate their thoughts and feelings. Let them know that they are not alone. 

It's key to seek immediate help if you or someone you know is exhibiting suicide warning signs... call, text, or chat 988 to be connected to trained counselors, or contact Santa Barbara County resources or helplines [Spanish list]. Continue to check in with them after the crisis. Just like any other mental health disorder, suicidal thoughts are a symptom and can be treated over time.  

Friends and family need to take care of themselves. Watching a loved one struggle can be stressful. Practice your own self-care. You may need to process your own emotions of shock, grief, hurt, guilt, or anger after a loved one attempts to take their own life. Talk to someone. Reach out to a helpline. Caregivers - try a parent support group.

YOU MATTER! Let's make it a priority to say this to those we interact with and to remember to say it to ourselves. You are loved and this world needs you. Your mental health should come first, and there's no work task, test, or deadline that's worth sacrificing your sanity. Life consists of ups and downs and sometimes it can be hard to look beyond the moment to remember that even the most challenging times are temporary. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help.