Frequently Asked Questions Suicide

Q: Why do people consider suicide?

A: People consider suicide when they are feeling hopeless and cannot see other options for solving problems. Sometimes when people are extremely distressed they believe that suicide is their only option. Individuals who contemplate suicide are not "crazy", often suicidal people feel terribly isolated and because of their distress, they may not believe that they can turn to someone for help, furthering this isolation.¹ Suicidal behavior is often related to psychiatric disorders, such as depression, substance use, or borderline personality disorder. Suicidal behavior is more likely to be experienced by individuals who have suffered losses or extremely stressful events. Help is available. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call 1-866-284-3743.

Q: Describe suicide risk factors?

A: More than four times as many men as women die by suicide³; but women attempt suicide more often during their lives than men⁴. Suicide rates are highest among the elderly, particularly older white males. Over 70 percent of older suicide victims have visited their primary care physician within the month of their death, many did not tell their doctor that they were depressed nor did the doctor detect depression symptoms.⁵

Other risk factors include:

• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• History of mental disorders, particularly depression
• History of alcohol and substance abuse
• Family history of suicide
• Family history of child maltreatment
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
• Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
• Loss (relational, social, work, or financial)
• Physical illness
• Easy access to lethal methods
• Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse disorders or suicidal thoughts
• Cultural and religious beliefs–for instance, the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
• Local epidemics of suicide
• Isolation, a feeling of being separate from other people

Q: How can I tell if someone is contemplating suicide?

A: Sometimes people will give clues or warning signs that they need help, but often warnings are not recognized. Some warning signs include:

• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Depression
• Talking, writing or hinting about suicide
• Previous attempts
• Making statement about hopelessness and helplessness
• Purposefully putting personal affairs in order

If someone you care about is exhibiting warning signs it does not guarantee that they are contemplating suicide. If you are concerned that someone may be at risk, particularly if they are exhibiting warning signs, take the initiative to ask what is troubling them and be persistent if the individual is reluctant to talk. It can come as a great relief to know that someone else has some insight into how they fee.¹ More

Q: What should you do if someone tells you they are thinking about suicide?

A: If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, you should take their distress seriously, listen without judgment, and help them get to a professional for evaluation and treatment. If someone is in imminent danger, do not leave the person alone. You may need to take emergency steps to get help, such as calling 9-1-1. When someone is in a suicidal crisis, it is important to limit access to firearms or other lethal means of committing suicide, including medications or sharp objects.²

If you are experiencing a behavioral health crisis, please call TriWest at 1-866-284-3743 or The National Hopeline Network at 1-800-SUICIDE provides trained telephone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Find a local crisis center.

Q: What treatments are helpful for suicide prevention?

A: Psychotherapy and/or medications may be helpful for helping a suicidal person solve problems that are causing the suicidal feelings. A trained professional must assess the situation and make treatment recommendations. Call the TRIWEST Crisis Line at 1-866-284-3743, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

References:

¹ Modified from HealthyPlace.com, Suicide FAQ.

² Modified from the National Institute of Mental Health, Frequently Asked Questions about Suicide.

³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (producer). Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) [Online]. (2004).

⁴ Krug EG, Dahlberg LL, Mercy JA, Zwi AB, Lozano R, editors. World report on violence and health [serial online]. 2004 May.

⁵ Department of Health and Human Services. The Surgeon Generals call to action to prevent suicide. Washington (DC): Department of Health and Human Services; 1999.