September marks Suicide Prevention Month, with numerous groups supporting those grappling with mental anguish. The World Health Organization states that around 700,000 individuals take their own lives globally every year. Angela Horner from NAMI Greater Corpus Christi shared with 3News that this month holds a special significance for her.
“It’s deeply personal for me. I lost my nephew to suicide when he was only 25, which was nearly 13 years ago,” said Horner. “From that moment on, I’ve dedicated myself to educating people about the signs and symptoms.” September 10 also stands out as World Suicide Prevention Day initiated in 2003. Its goal is to bring attention to the matter, combat the associated stigma, and enhance awareness among organizations, governments, and the general populace, emphasizing that suicides can be prevented. “We should address this topic every single day. We actively post on social media and urge everyone to discuss it,” Horner emphasized. She believes it should be a recurring conversation, not limited to just once a year. “Though not all suicides correlate with a mental health issue, it’s an integral part of the dialogue. We discuss it as frequently as possible.” The National Institute of Mental Health provides a list of potential warning signs to be vigilant about:
Talking about:
- Desiring to end one’s life
- Overwhelming guilt or shame
- Feeling like a burden to others Experiencing feelings of:
- Emptiness, hopelessness, entrapment, or a lack of purpose
- Intense sadness, heightened anxiety, agitation, or rage
- Unbearable emotional or physical distress Displaying behavior shifts like:
- Formulating a plan or exploring methods to end one’s life
- Distancing from friends, bidding farewell, parting with valuable items, or drafting a will
- Engaging in risky actions such as reckless driving
- Showing dramatic mood fluctuations
- Alterations in eating or sleeping habits
- Increased consumption of drugs or alcohol “For the Corpus Christi community, our core message is that suicide is preventable,” stated Horner. “Recognizing the warning signs is crucial. We urge individuals to ask, ‘Are you contemplating ending your life?’ Even though it’s a tough question to pose.”
Here are five steps to assist someone experiencing emotional distress:
- ASK: “Are you considering ending your life?” While it’s a challenging question, research indicates that inquiring about suicidal intentions doesn’t escalate the risk of suicide or suicidal ideation.
- ENSURE THEIR SAFETY: It’s crucial to limit a suicidal individual’s access to potentially lethal objects or locations as part of suicide prevention. It might be challenging, but determining if the person at risk has a plan and removing or neutralizing potential lethal means can be lifesaving.
- BE PRESENT: Pay close attention and understand the person’s emotions and thoughts. Evidence indicates that discussing and recognizing suicide can potentially decrease, rather than increase, suicidal tendencies.
- FACILITATE CONNECTIONS: Store the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (dial or text 988) and the Crisis Text Line number (741741) in your phone to have them handy. I would appreciate it if you could help establish a link with someone trustworthy, whether a family member, friend, spiritual guide, or mental health expert.
- MAINTAIN CONTACT: Open communication lines after a crisis or post-care discharge can profoundly impact. Research indicates that when there’s follow-up with those at risk, the rate of suicide diminishes.
“People often hesitate to acknowledge their struggles, fearing it will force them to confront their need for assistance. Many find it challenging to reach out for help,” Horner noted. She also mentioned that while there have been positive strides in Coastal Bend, more progress is needed. Studies indicate that, on average, an individual needs to hear about a topic seven times before acting upon it. “Many aren’t aware that the 988 suicide lifeline isn’t just for those with suicidal thoughts; family members can also seek assistance through it.”