Suicide is not just someone else’s problem. It’s something that happens in many families, friend groups, and workplaces. Suicide can be prevented, but it takes action on the part of others.
September is National Suicide Awareness Month, and at Willow Creek Behavioral Health, we are here to help you immediately. If you’re facing an immediate threat to your health or that of a loved one, call 988 or visit us at our mental health treatment center in Green Bay.
Know the Risks of Suicide
Suicide took 48,824 lives in 2024. The number of people who think about harming themselves is even higher. The data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that 14.3 million people had serious thoughts of suicide that year and 4.6 million planned to take their lives. Of those, 2.2 million attempted to do so.
Talking about suicide isn’t a bad thing. It can be the single thing that helps someone avoid taking further steps. The problem for many people is knowing when to say something.
Know the Main Risk Factors for Suicide
Suicide can happen to anyone of any age and background. It can happen after a sudden event or may be a chronic thought a person has throughout their lifetime. Some people are more at risk than others, including those in these circumstances:
- Those with diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health conditions such as mental disorder or substance use
- Those with a history of suicide attempts
- People exposed to family violence, especially on an ongoing basis, including both physical and sexual abuse
- Family history of mental health disorders or substance abuse
- Exposure to others who have attempted suicide or have suicidal thoughts
- Those recently released from jail or prison
Most people with these experiences do not attempt suicide. In most situations, these risk factors aren’t likely to lead to action. However, for others, stressful events or interpersonal stressors, such as shame and harassment, can contribute to these actions.
What Are the Warning Signs of Suicide?
Not everyone displays clear warning signs. Some people are open about their thoughts and plans. Most people may not offer clear insight into what they are thinking about or planning. It is not uncommon for families to say they had no idea their loved one was at risk. The following are some of the most common warning signs of suicide that indicate it may be time to take action.
- Statements. A person may make statements about wanting to die. They may make clear statements about wanting to kill themselves. They have clear indications that they’re depressed.
- Speaking about being trapped. A person may feel trapped or unable to see a better future for themselves. They may communicate to you that they don’t have any other solutions or a way out of their situation. Things can’t get better, they say.
- Hopelessness. Many people at risk for suicide say they have no hope. They may feel helpless in their situation. They don’t have a reason to live.
- Saying goodbye. In some situations, a person may say goodbye to friends and family. It may not be a direct statement, but rather a thoughtful statement about the relationship or your meaning to them. Some people don’t make statements, but will take steps to put their financial and estate affairs in order suddenly.
- Pulling away from others. It’s common for a person with depression to pull away from family and friends, activities, and hobbies they enjoy. This may happen over time or suddenly.
- Taking risks. Some people take extreme measures to put themselves at risk. They engage in activities like reckless driving or increased use of substances.
- Burdening others. Your loved one may state that they are a burden to other people. They may feel like they cannot communicate about their pain or concerns or may state that you are better off without them.
Even with these warning signs likely to occur, it’s not always possible to know when someone is going to take action to harm themselves. It’s hard to know how to help when you’re just not sure what’s happening.
When to Take Immediate Action
If your loved one engages in any of the following, take immediate action by calling 988, 911, or by bringing them to our suicide treatment center in Green Bay for immediate help.
- They display aggressive behaviors, intense mood swings, or sudden changes from happiness to sadness.
- They are looking for ways to harm themselves. This may include stockpiling medications or buying a gun.
- They are making threats against you or others. Even if you don’t think they will act on them, take these seriously.
Anyone who is making a plan or stating they plan to act is someone who needs help. But what do you do? Treatment for suicidal thoughts is available.
Act by Calling Our Team Now
You may want to help, but you don’t know how. We can help you. Call Willow Creek Behavioral Health now to learn more about the type of care we offer and the options available to help your loved one. We’ll put you on the best path to getting your loved one the help they need. Contact us now.
