by Stephanie Sprague (RN, BSN, MSN)
According to the CDC, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the
United States.
Suicidal thoughts and actual suicide invade the lives of people of all ages.
Suicide does not discriminate between race, economic class, ethnicity, or
gender.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) states that many
factors that lead to a person either committing or entertaining the possibility of
suicide. Some leading factors are daily life issues such as unemployment,
being unable to provide for your family, relationship problems, bullying, or
harassment in any setting.
Another big factor is the history of abuse, according to AFSP. This abuse
comes in many forms. Childhood trauma from actual physical abuse or
neglect never goes away. Domestic violence, with the daunting struggle of
escape, is a form of abuse many face daily.
Mental and physical illness are huge reasons for thoughts of suicide.
Those who are dealing with depression or any other type of mental illness
are highly prone to consider suicide.
Some people are coping with debilitating injuries resulting in chronic pain
and the inability to care for themselves. Numerous people are confronted
with chronic illnesses that not only affect their health but also cause their
health to ultimately decline.
Countless people deal with these stressors. Unfortunately, numerous
people turn to substance abuse to numb or quiet their pain. This ultimately
can lead to thoughts of suicide.
We all face big life changes that leave us feeling depressed, hopeless, and
in despair. Divorce or a break-up in relationships and financial crises can
leave us with all these feelings, plus a sense of failure.
Remaining self-aware of your feelings and seeking help is key to
conquering suicide and thoughts of suicide per AFSP.
If any of these sounds familiar, hope exists.
Seeking help from a health care provider takes a person a step towards
staying alive. One does not have to have an established primary care
physician to do this. Go to an urgent care or community clinic per AFSP.
Convey to the health care provider that assistance with obtaining mental
health care exists. Health care providers will match people to the necessary
mental health support and counseling.
Counseling is a safe place to talk about feelings that individuals are afraid to
discuss with anyone else. Counselors are not there to judge. It is a place
to have your feelings validated and dealt with.
Counseling gives one the necessary tools to deal with life crises. Once a
person has these tools, an individual can understand and realize how to
handle problems and issues instead of ending your life.
Learning problem-solving and important coping skills occurs during
counseling sessions. Sounds like a small thin,g but it can change one’s life.
The skills obtained in counseling may help a person manage anything from
difficult relationships to bullying.
AFSP encourages seeking community programs that address an
individual’s problems. Try to form connections with loved and trusted
people. An overlooked option for community support is turning to your
religious beliefs and place of worship.
If you are considering suicide, help is available immediately.
CALL 988! or CHAT at www.988lifeline.org.