Photo by Kateleigh Crowson

Suicide Prevention Month exists as a reminder that no wounds are too far gone to repair. As you navigate through this meaningful month, remember that you are loved, and your life matters.

September serves as Suicide Prevention Month. This month honors those who lost their lives to suicide, those who currently battle suicidal ideations, and those who have been personally impacted by suicide.

Suicide affects millions of people everyday in multiple different capacities, but this battle proves to be one that many people feel the need to struggle with by themselves.

There are many reasons why people may choose to fight this battle alone. For some, it is the fear of being perceived differently by others upon the decision to open up. For others, the feeling of isolation takes such a strong toll on their lives that they feel as if no one truly cares for their mental well-being. For many, the fear of consequences for opening up about an emotional battle in which they have no control over proves to be too emotionally exhausting to express in the form of words. 

That said, these fears prove to be nothing more than stigmas that can be counteracted through the power of education, empathy, and asking the uncomfortable questions.

Recognizing The Signs of Suicide

The most powerful tool for suicide prevention is education. Due to the fact that these signs can appear out of nowhere, it is crucial to be educated. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a few of the key warning signs that someone might be falling into the hole of suicidal ideations are:

• Changes In Behavior: These changes can include, but are not limited to self isolation, withdrawing with hobbies or activities, sleeping too much or too little, giving away important possessions freely, and or talking about wanting to die.

• Mood Changes: Overwhelming guilt, shame, hopelessness, self-hatred, or sudden irritability.
• Physical Change: Sudden weight gain or loss, a lack of hygiene, or a loss of appetite.

These signs are incredibly important, but please keep in mind that no single sign can entirely prove that someone may be suicidal. If you are concerned for a loved one’s mental well-being, it is important to talk to them about your concerns.

How To Ask The Hard Questions

Although communicating with someone who may be at risk of suicide proves to be a scary task, this conversation may be life saving. Many people fear this conversation due to the fact that they don’t want to overstep or plant any ideas in a loved one’s head, but talking through these thoughts actually brings relief and a sense of comfort to someone who may be feeling misunderstood or trapped in their own mind.

When asking someone to open up about their mental health, the first and most important step to take is to be straightforward, but empathetic. Make sure to choose a private, calm space to have this conversation rather than choosing a crowded area. This ensures not only privacy for your loved one, but also allows for honesty without fear of judgement from surrounding people.

The next step to an empathetic conversation is to ease into the conversation with concern, not accusation. Rather than pointing a finger at someone, lead with heart and care. 

After beginning the conversation, ask them directly about suicide. This step, although incredibly difficult, is crucial. Ask them if they are thinking about suicide, and let them know that you are a safe space for them to confide in. If their answer is no, believe them. Do not pressure them into giving further information, as this can quickly reduce trust and leave your loved one feeling worse than they felt before the conversation. Instead, reassure them that you are here if they ever begin to feel this way, and your concern comes from a place of care, not judgement. 

If their answer is yes, do not immediately search for solutions. As a loved one, this is your time to provide that listening ear for your loved one. Do not interrupt them as they open up, but instead give physical cues that you are actively listening to what they are saying. This reassures your loved one that you genuinely care about them and the feelings they’re experiencing.

Once your loved one opens up, guide them towards professional help, but also offer to walk them through the process. Opening up to someone beyond your immediate circle of trust can be very overwhelming, and it is important to be there for them as they take the next step to professional care.

In the event that your loved one expresses that they have an immediate plan and the desire to follow through, this situation quickly becomes an emergency. Stay with your loved one, and remember that keeping someone alive is much more important than keeping a secret in this instance.

You Are Loved

Suicide Prevention Month exists as a reminder that no wounds are too far gone to repair. As you navigate through this meaningful month, remember that you are loved, and your life matters.