What is SPAM?
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM). Because suicide and suicidal ideation are considered taboo and even controversial, it can be hard to discuss their effects openly. SPAM encourages communication, transparency, and hope.
When dialogue and understanding are encouraged, more people feel comfortable getting help, opening up, and supporting others. People can observe SPAM by spreading helpful information, challenging negative stigmas, and offering stories of hope and recovery.
Most importantly, SPAM aims to provide people with straightforward, accessible resources when they need them most.
Suicide Statistics in the United States
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is important because it helps individuals understand that they are not alone. Whether they have contemplated suicide or know someone who is struggling, spreading understanding and insight supports people affected by suicidal ideation.
Suicidal ideation is a preoccupation with self-harm, death, or suicide. Individuals experiencing suicidal ideation can be either passive or active. With passive ideation, you might see someone who no longer wishes to exist but isn’t necessarily considering any action. With active ideation, there is an active desire to commit the act and possibly a specific plan.
Individual Impact:
- 79% of people who die by suicide are male
- More women than men attempt suicide, but men are 4x more likely to die
- Among people aged 10–14, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death
- Among people aged 15-24, it is the 3rd leading cause of death
- Overall, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death
- 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition
- 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition
Community Impact:
“Serious thoughts of suicide,” by demographic group:
- The highest rates of suicide are among American Indian/Alaska Natives, followed by non-Hispanic whites.
- Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are nearly 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
- Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for individuals in local jails.
Warning Signs for Suicide
#1: Signs Someone is at Serious Risk
Certain behaviors indicate a serious risk of suicide. Pay special attention to whether these behaviors came about as a result of a loss or crisis or if they are new.
- Expressing that they are in unbearable pain
- Saying that they feel trapped
- Indicating that they are a burden to others
- Isolation and or being withdrawn
- Extreme mood swings
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless behavior, including increased agitation or anxiety
- Expressing that they want revenge or displaying rage
- Getting too little sleep or sleeping excessively
#2: Signs Someone is at Immediate Risk
Other signs could indicate that someone is an immediate suicide risk. Call a mental health professional or call or text 988 (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) immediately if you encounter any of the following.
- Expressing that they want to die or kill themselves
- Talking about having no reason to live and feeling hopeless
- Taking specific action to create a plan for suicide, such as looking for a gun or planning to take specific pills
If you know someone exhibiting the above symptoms, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Call or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org/
The Lifeline is a 24-hour toll-free phone line for people in suicidal crises or emotional distress.
An online chat option is also available.
Suicide Risk Factors
In addition to knowing the signs of suicide risk, educating yourself on causes and risk factors can be helpful. While anyone can experience suicidal ideation, specific populations are at higher risk of suicide, including:
- Adults aged 35-64
- Veterans
- People living in rural and remote areas
- American Indians & Alaska Natives
- Members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- People with disabilities
Some other factors might put an individual at higher suicide risk:
- A history of abuse
- Having access to firearms or weapons
- Recently being incarcerated
- Mental health conditions such as depression
- A family history of suicide or clinical depression
- A history of suicide attempts or ideation
Our Lawyers Work On In-Patient Suicide Cases
GreeningLaw, P.C. is ready to fight for justice for your loved one if they were a victim of psychiatric negligence. As one of Texas’s most recognized personal injury law firms, we have the experience and expertise to hold the psychiatric hospital accountable. With GreeningLaw, we treat each case with the same dedication we would extend to our own family, bringing everything in our power to bear to ensure that our clients get the compensation they deserve.
Contact us 24/7 to schedule a free consultation. In that consultation, we will ask about details surrounding your case, discuss possible compensation you may receive, and suggest the best course of action. And, because our attorneys work on a contingency basis, you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org/ 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And remember, it’s okay to talk about suicide.