Suicide Prevention: Recognizing Warning Signs and Taking Action

Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death worldwide for people aged 15-29, and the numbers continue to rise. These statistics are sobering, especially if you're concerned about yourself or someone you love. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, GA, we believe that knowing the warning signs of suicidal behavior—and seeking help promptly—can save lives.

Recognizing Warning Signs

Suicidal warning signs aren't always obvious, but they are always present. Being able to recognize these signals can help you identify when someone needs help. Watch for these behaviors, especially if they're new or have recently increased:

• Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
• Expressing feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, or having no reason to live
• Making plans or searching for ways to harm themselves
• Talking about feeling trapped with no solutions
• Experiencing unbearable emotional or physical pain
• Expressing that they're a burden to others
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Showing rage or talking about revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings
• Giving away important possessions
• Saying goodbye to friends and family
• Putting affairs in order or making a will unexpectedly

Understanding Risk Factors

Suicide affects all races, genders, and ages. While there's no single cause for suicidal behavior, certain factors increase risk:

• Depression, other mental health disorders, or substance use disorder
• Chronic pain or terminal illness
• Prior suicide attempt
• Family history of mental illness, substance use, or suicide
• History of trauma or abuse
• Access to lethal means
• Recent release from prison or jail
• Unemployment or relationship stress
• Social isolation
• Exposure to others' suicidal behavior

How to Help Someone in Crisis

If someone you know is showing signs of suicidal thinking, take action. Here are five steps that can help:

1. ASK directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?" Research confirms that asking doesn't increase risk—it can actually help prevent it.
2. KEEP THEM SAFE: Remove or limit access to lethal items if possible.
3. BE THERE: Listen carefully without judgment to what they're feeling.
4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Assist them in reaching family, friends, or mental health professionals. Call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
5. STAY CONNECTED: Following up with at-risk individuals after they receive care can make a significant difference.

Treatment Options

Various treatments have proven effective for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps identify unhealthy thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Particularly effective for adolescents, DBT teaches skills to recognize disruptive feelings and cope with upsetting situations.

Medication

When combined with therapy, medication can help manage underlying conditions like depression or anxiety that contribute to suicidal thinking.

Hope and Healing Are Possible

If you're experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please know that help is available and recovery is possible. Reaching out to a mental health professional is a sign of strength, not weakness. Dr. Aneel Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals facing these challenges.

For immediate crisis support, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 911.