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Over 3,000 Americans die from suicide each year, with mental health conditions being a significant risk factor. It’s estimated that 5% of Americans have ever attempted to take their own life. This equates to an average of 8.57 deaths by suicide in United States each day.

This is more than double the road toll

Research indicates that mental health conditions such as depression, psychosis and substance use are associated with an increased risk of suicide. Experiencing risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean a person will think about or attempt to take their own life. Protective factors can reduce suicide risk, particularly effective mental health care, counselling, social support and connectedness.

Often people who are considering suicide are dealing with a combination of mental ill-health and difficult life events. Symptoms such as very low mood, negative thinking, severe anxiety, and psychosis can lead to suicidal thoughts. Researchers believe that some people who end their own lives do not actually want to die, but feel there is no other option to relieve them of their pain.

Some might experience a sense of hopelessness, and feel that things cannot get better. Those who do take their own life may feel overwhelmed, seeking release from their distress. But with effective treatment, social support and time, many who have tried to end their life, or considered ending their life, can go on to live full and meaningful lives.

It is important to understand that suicide is the result of many factors in a person’s life and not one particular event or discussion. Suicide is complex: there is no single explanation. Aside from mental health conditions, contributing factors to being at risk of suicide may include: previous suicide attempt or exposure to suicide behaviour in others.

Men, people living in rural and remote regions, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people also have a higher rate of suicide. People who take their own life sometimes display warning signs beforehand. For people who are experiencing a mental health condition, sometimes this might look like an increase or escalation in symptoms.

Some warning signs include:

  • withdrawing from friends
  • family or society. If you think a friend or relative is at risk
  • discuss your concerns with them openly
  • non-judgmentally. Rather than putting the idea of suicide into someone’s head
  • a supportive conversation gives them the opportunity to talk about their distress

Encourage or help the person to access professional help, such as their mental health professional or a support helpline, such as:

  • Tel. If the person is at serious risk of suicide stay with them if possible contact the psychiatric emergency team at your. Or call 000
  • explaining the person is suicidal has made a plan you have concerns for their safety

Keep these numbers readily available in case you need urgent help. For family and friends, a suicide attempt can bring a range of intense and unexpected emotions that can change quickly and unpredictably. There is no right or wrong way to react.

Supporting a person who has attempted suicide can be stressful and overwhelming.

It is important to look after yourself

Catch up regularly with friends, family members and significant others, and make time for yourself. Access support services, groups or health professionals to talk about how you feel. Learn about suicide risk factors and behaviour to look out for.

It is important to not blame yourself for the suicide attempt

If someone is determined to end their life, it can be very difficult to stop them. Feeling suicidal means feeling more pain than you can cope with at the time.

Thoughts of suicide are only thoughts

Having them does not mean you need to act on them.

Try to remember that with help, you can feel better and keep yourself safe

People get through this

You can too

Some ways to stay safe when experiencing suicidal thoughts include: Tell someone how you feel – a family member, trusted friend or teacher.

Ask them to stay with you until you get help

Or other mental health professional.

Call a crisis helpline – they’re listed at the end of this article. Think about another time in your life when you might have faced similarly stressful circumstances.

What did you do to cope? Can you do the same things now? Stay focused on the present – worrying about whether things will improve often just leads to feeling more overwhelmed.

Try breaking up your day and planning a short activity that will distract you. Then plan your next activity once you’ve finished that one.

It can help you if you’re having suicidal thoughts and distress

Try relaxation techniques

Follow up with your health professionals

A change in any medication and treatment may help reduce any suicidal thoughts. Remember you do not have to act on suicidal thoughts. They will pass in time, despite how overwhelming they may feel. are full of people who want to talk to you and offer support.

The relationship between mental health and suicide Other risk factors for suicide substance abuse chronic health issues, pain or physical disability feelings of isolation or helplessness loss negative life events (abuse, significant loss, financial crisis) Suicide warning signs expressions of hopelessness or helplessness an overwhelming sense of shame or guilt a dramatic change in personality or appearance, or irrational or bizarre behaviour changed eating or sleeping habits a drop in school or work performance a lack of interest in things previously important, and the future writing, speaking or joking about suicide , death or dying or intention giving away possessions and putting affairs in order suddenly seeming ‘at peace’ increasing alcohol and drug use What to do if a relative or friend lets you know they are suicidal Lifeline 13 11 14 (24 hours) Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 (24 hours) Suicide Call Back Service Tel. (616) 555-0400 (24 hours) SuicideLine (616) 555-0400 (24 hours) local hospital After a suicide attempt If you have suicidal thoughts Call your local hospital and ask for the Mental Health Team Go to your GP , psychologist, psychiatrist Create a safety plan or draw upon one you have already developed.

Try using BeyondNow – a free safety planning app created by Beyond Blue Where to get help SANE Help Centre 1800 18 SANE (7263) (Monday – Friday, 10 am–10 pm AEST) SANE Forums Your GP (Doctor) Lifeline 13 11 14 (24 hours) Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 (24 hours) Suicide Call Back Service Tel.

(616) 555-0400 (24 hours) SuicideLine (616) 555-0400 (24 hours) GriefLine (616) 555-0400 (midday to 3 am AEST, 7 days) Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 (24 hours).

Key Points

  • Over 3,000 Americans die from suicide each year, with mental health conditions being a significant risk factor
  • Experiencing risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean a person will think about or attempt to take their own life
  • Symptoms such as very low mood, negative thinking, severe anxiety, and psychosis can lead to suicidal thoughts
  • If you think a friend or relative is at risk, discuss your concerns with them openly and non-judgmentally
  • important to look after yourself