Suffering from suicidal thoughts can be a life-threatening situation. If you are thinking about harming yourself or want to end your life, call 988 right now for immediate help.
You can also walk into our suicide treatment center in Green Bay, WI, for immediate help. Willow Creek Behavioral Health offers help for immediate crisis situations.
Often, a conversation people don’t want to have until it is too late, the thoughts of harming yourself and ending your life can become incredibly overwhelming. For those battling trauma, crisis in daily life, and mental health disorders, it is critical to understand what suicidal thoughts mean and what you can do about them. We are here to help you and your loved one.
The Reality of Suicide in the US
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shares that suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Consider these statistics:
- Over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023.
- That is 1 death in every 11 minutes that year.
- 12.8 million people had serious thoughts about suicide.
- 3.7 million people made a plan for suicide.
- 1.5 million people attempted suicide.
- About 22.7% of those who died by suicide were 85 years of age or older.
- 19.4% of those who died by suicide were between the ages of 75 and 84.
- 19.2% of people were between the ages of 35 and 44.
It may not be something people want to talk about, but it is critical to start the conversation and continue it if you believe your family member is at risk. As the statistics show, this is a tragic outcome that can impact people of any age.
What Can You Do If Your Loved One Is at Risk of Suicide?
Most people think about suicide for a long time before acting on it. Others do not, and act as a reaction to a traumatic situation or stressor. View this as any other mental health disorder or disease. It is a condition that warrants immediate mental health support and care.
Here is what you can do now.
Know the Warning Signs of Suicide
Not everyone has the same warning signs, and many people may do a very good job of hiding them. Some of the most common warnings include:
- Talking about death, dying, or the dying process more frequently
- Expressing rage and frustration
- Increased alcohol and drug use
- Withdrawing from friends and family, and no longer engaging in the community
- Giving away things important to them
- Losing interest in the way they look or personal hygiene
- Becoming violent or being the victim of violence
- Changes in sleeping patterns or eating patterns
- Episodes of depression, emotional distress, or anxiety
If you see these signs in your loved one, take action right away by talking to them. Get involved in what they are doing and why they feel like that. Do not just brush it off.
Get Immediate Professional Attention
If your loved one is engaging in any of the following or if you observe any other crisis behavior, call 988 immediately. That includes:
- Talking about immediately harming themselves or others
- Acting in an erratic manner that makes you feel for their safety
- Planning to attempt suicide
- Searches on computers or phones for how to attempt suicide
- Making clear statements about plans
In these cases, your loved one needs immediate care. You can visit Willow Creek for immediate help, call 988, or call 911.
How to Help Your Loved One Get Suicide Treatment and Support
Many people need support in getting into treatment for their mental health disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, or other mental health conditions. They need someone to offer them guidance and encouragement. This is never an easy process, and it can be scary for some.
Consider a few strategies that can offer help in getting your loved one into the care they need:
- Make the time to actually listen. This isn’t going to make thoughts and feelings go away, but it is going to show someone cares. That can be enough to encourage your loved one to get into treatment.
- Reach out to Willow Creek now, on their behalf. Like our admissions counselors provide you with clarity on how to handle your specific situation. We can also connect you with support to help your loved one get into treatment.
- From a type of intervention with only a few people who are truly vested in a person’s well-being and future. Talk about what you are feeling, seeing, and experiencing.
What is most important is helping your loved one to see the importance of seeking mental health treatment. Like going to the doctor for medical care due to a serious illness, mental health treatment can prove critical and life-saving.
Do Not Wait to Visit Our Treatment Center
Willow Creek Behavioral Health provides compassionate, real care. We are here for you now. Skip the call. Get help now. Walk-in for professional assessment and care. Mental health stabilization is available to you today.
You can also contact us and let us provide you with the hands-on support you need to get your loved one into care.
