September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

At Unity Center for Behavioral Health, we are providing individuals with immediate crisis intervention through compassionate, trauma-informed care that’s given without judgement or stigma. Suicide is preventable. Knowing the warning signs is key to helping someone who is struggling.

What are the signs of suicidal ideation?
It’s not always easy to identify when someone is struggling. Here are a few signs to watch for:

• New or increased substance use, including drugs or alcohol.
• Withdrawal from social or day-to-day activities.
• Expressing a preoccupation with death in conversations, writing, or other forms of communication.
• Reckless or impulsive behavior.
• Threatening suicide – listen for concerning phrases that express a disinterest in continuing to live.
• Rage or aggressive behavior.
• Mood swings that indicate instability.
• Expressions of guilt, shame, or being a burden to others.
• Intense emotional or physical pain.
• A plan for suicide – researching ways to die.
• Big changes in sleep or eating habits.
• Giving away items, saying goodbye to loved ones, distressing posts on social media.

What can possibly trigger suicidal ideation or action?

• Undiagnosed or untreated mental illness
• Substance use or intoxication
• Access to firearms or other dangerous items
• A history of trauma
• Isolation
• Recent tragedy or loss

Suicide is on the rise in the United States

Statistics show Americans are dying from suicide at an alarming rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 49,000 individuals died from suicide in the United States in 2023.

That’s one death every 11 minutes. In addition, 12.8 million adults reported serious thoughts of suicide – or suicidal ideation – in 2023, while 3.7 million made a plan to take their own life, and 1.5 million adults attempted suicide.

In Oregon, 888 people of all ages died of suicide in 2023 – which is significantly higher than the national rate. And according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents.

Research shows that about 90% of those who die by suicide experience mental illness, oftentimes undiagnosed or untreated.

How can I help someone who’s struggling?

• Listen with empathy and without judgement.
• Don’t place guilt or blame – offer compassionate reassurance.
• Avoid downplaying their feelings. Avoid phrases like “You’ll snap out of it,” or “Cheer up.”
• Keep risk factors in mind. For example, if they struggle with alcohol, don’t encourage them to talk it through over a drink. Talk in a neutral, safe space and avoid triggers.
• Look for items in the home or nearby that someone could use to harm themselves with. According to the CDC, firearms are used in more than 50% of suicides, followed by suffocation or poisoning.
• Reach out to resources for more help or if you feel there is an emergency, such as calling or texting 988, the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Need immediate help? Call or text 988. You can also come to Unity Center—we are here to help. Appointments are not necessary – anyone can walk in and receive immediate care. Our Psychiatric Emergency Services are open 24/7.

– Elizabeth Baker, elbaker@lhs.org