The issue of discussion today is one that negatively impacts our families and communities, but it is a topic that is not always discussed openly. The topic is suicide. Many people might think that May would be an abnormal time to discuss suicide because it is a popular belief that suicide is generally more associated with winter. However, studies have found that spring and summer months actually foster the highest suicide rates.

The reasons for suicide differ, but severe depression seems to be a major reason why people end up committing suicide. This perhaps could explain why suicide is more prevalent in spring and summer months since an individual with severe depression sees the outside environment bloom, while they may still feel a strong sense of hopelessness or low mood that doesn’t seem to change positively. Depression also impacts the way that an individual thinks, feels, behaves, and has bodily changes associated with it as well. Left untreated depression can leave a person feeling like suicide is their only option.

Depression is not the only reason that individuals commit suicide, some other common reasons include: having mental illness, impulsive tendencies and low pain tolerance of an individual, chronic pain sufferers, financial problems, substance abuse issues, past trauma history, and other environmental stressors. There are likely many other reasons as well as these, but it is difficult to definitively know all of them. Many suicidal people do not want to die rather they want the pain they are feeling to stop.

It is important to be aware of the signs that a person could be suicidal so that we can prevent suicide before it occurs. Individuals thinking of suicide may say things that hint at their future plans. These hints may be subtle or obvious. Those thinking of suicide may directly talk about killing themselves or wanting to die, or may be less direct and say things like, “I can’t do this anymore” or “I just want to end it all.” It is important that any indications of suicide are taken seriously since most who attempt suicide has given a clue or warning about their intentions.

Individuals who are thinking of committing suicide may also behave in a manner that hints to their future plans. Reckless behavior or increased use of alcohol or substances may occur. The person also may appear angry, irritable, or anxious. The person may get things in order and give away items of importance to others. This may be part of their process in saying goodbye. The person may withdrawal from activities that previously they enjoyed and exhibit a change in their sleep patterns. An individual also may neglect caring for themselves and act in a manner that seems as if they are planning the suicide. For example, the person may stockpile items that would be needed to carry out the suicide. Previous suicide attempts can be a good indicator of future suicidal action since many people who commit suicide have attempted it multiple times in the past.

Many people are afraid to bring up possible suicide as a concern because they think that it will give an individual the idea, but this is not true. Discussing possible suspicions of suicide openly can help the person in need to get the support that is necessary.

This conversation may not be easy, but it could save a life. Before this conversation, it is important to have crisis resources available to give to the individual. You could start this conversation by voicing your concern and directly asking the person if suicide or hurting themselves is something that there thinking about. Being an empathetic ear and listening to what is causing the person distress could be helpful as well as listening to the reasons the person has for living and dying. This could help you understand the situation better. Offering your support and providing the resources available could help the person get the assistance that is needed.

It is important that if you come in contact with someone who is suicidal to remove any means of suicide, and most importantly seek professional help through mental health counseling, talking to their doctor, or hospitalization if necessary.

Once receiving mental health services, a person struggling with suicide may create a safety plan for the future, remove means to suicide, discuss reasons for living, identify support systems, learn coping skills, make positive lifestyle changes, and work on issues that are contributing to suicidal thoughts in a safe empathetic environment.

If you or someone you know is feeling like hurting yourself, don’t hesitate to call 911 or talk to the Chautauqua County Crisis hotline at (800) 724-0461 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800) 273-8255.

Mental health counseling could also help those who suffer with thoughts of hurting themselves. At Family Service of the Chautauqua Region, we offer mental health counseling services to help support those in the surrounding community. To schedule mental health counseling services contact our agency at 488-1971.