Overview
Suicide is a tragic epidemic in the United States. Suicide accounts for 2% of all deaths, making it the 10th ranking cause of death nationally. It is also the 2nd leading cause of death for college students. In 2018, the CDC found that suicides in the United States have increased 25% over the past 20 years. 45,000 Americans died by suicide in 2016. Suicide impacts all demographic groups. Although women are three times as likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to complete suicide. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals are at significantly higher risk of suicide than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. While suicide also occurs across the lifespan, senior citizens are at markedly high risk of suicide.
Suicide rates in Utah are among the highest in the nation. Overall, suicide is the 8th leading cause of death in Utah, and the leading cause of death among youth, ages 10-17. In 2015, it took almost 700 lives in Utah.
Most people who attempt or complete suicide are suffering from untreated or undertreated mental health issues. Suicide is most commonly associated with major depressive disorder/ “depression.” Other mental health issues, which place people at higher risk of suicide, include substance abuse, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, and schizophrenia. Half of all serious mental health disorders start by 14 years of age, and three-fourths are present by age 25. In addition, compared to adults, individuals in the 18-24 age range have the lowest rate of mental health help-seeking. 67% of college students tell a friend they are feeling suicidal before telling anyone else, and 80-90% of college students who die by suicide were not receiving help from their college counseling centers.
Get Help
If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts and need help, please reach out to CAPS or one of the following resources:
- Talk to a confidential therapist 24/7 through SafeUT
- Download SafeUT app to start a private chat from Google Play or the App Store.
- National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline where a trained counselor is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. The service is free and confidential: Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org/chat
- Crisis Text Line: Text "START" to 741-741 (or if you're a Person of color who wants to text with another person of color text STEVE instead of START).
- 1-800-784-8433.
- Youth-specific services (voice/text/chat/email) from the Boys' Town National Hotline.
- The Trevor Project is specifically for LGBT youth who are considering suicide. This website has helpful information and a hotline with knowledgeable people who can talk with you: 1-866-488-7386
The Gay and Lesbian National Hotline – Monday-Friday, 6-10 p.m. and Saturday noon-5 p.m. EST. National toll-free number: 1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564).
Symptoms
Most people who are thinking of suicide will communicate their intent in some fashion. Sometimes, an individual in suicidal crisis will express their risk verbally, with words such as “I'm tired of life, I just can't go on,” “my family would be better off without me,” or “no one would care if I wasn't around.” Other times, however, we must be watchful for warning signs in their mood, behavior, or circumstances. Examples include:
- Someone looking for ways to kill themselves, such a buying a gun or stockpiling pills.
- Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide.
- Withdrawing from family and friends.
- Increased feelings of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, or humiliation.
- Unexplained anger, rage, and/or aggression.
- Expressing feelings of being trapped, like there is no way out of a situation.
- Expressing excessive guilt or shame.
- Dramatic mood changes, including a sharp rise in mood after a period of depression.
- Increasing alcohol or drug use, or relapsing after a period of recovery.
- Recent release from psychiatric hospitalization.
- Change in personality and/or appearance.
- Acting reckless, engaging in risky behaviors (seemingly without thinking) and/or self-destructive acts.
- Loss of interest in most activities.
- Any previous suicide attempt.
- Deteriorating work or school performance.
- Giving away prized possessions or putting personal affairs in order.
- Being incarcerated (or the threat of being incarcerated).
- Recent disappointment or rejection (e.g. relationship breakup, job loss).
- Family problems.
- Significant financial problems.
- Being a victim of abuse (emotional, physical or sexual) or bullying.
- Death of a close friend or family member, especially if by suicide.
- Serious or terminal illness or fear of becoming a burden to others
Treatment
Having support and access to mental health services is key in preventing individuals from acting on suicidal thoughts and impulses. Being isolated increases a person's risk for suicide. If you think someone is in danger, take action in the following ways:
- Ask directly if the person you're concerned about is thinking about suicide. Don't be afraid to use the words “suicide” or “kill yourself.”
- Listen without judgment. Listening communicates caring and can be healing all by itself.
- Ask about the person's support system, including friends, family, counselors, religious leaders, or any other people who might be helpful.
- Don't argue with someone who's potentially suicidal. Just let them know that many problems are temporary and solvable, and that you're willing to help.
- Encourage the person to seek professional help. Help them access it if you can.
- In cases of more immediate risk, do not leave the person alone. If possible, ask for help from friends or other family members.
- If you need help, call a 24-hr suicide crisis hotline such as 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK.
- If the person is in immediate danger, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room.
Avoid the following phrases when speaking to a suicidal person:
- You're not suicidal, are you?” A statement like this shuts down communication, and suggests to a potentially suicidal person you don't want to hear about their problems or are too uncomfortable to listen.
- “It's not that bad.” To a suicidal person, the problem they're facing really does feel bad enough to end their life. Don't minimize it.
- “Just snap out of it.” The mental health issues that lead to suicidality are not simple. Most people cannot simply “snap out” of them. Treatment is a process.
- “Don't do anything stupid.” To a suicidal person, a plan to end their life is not stupid, but a way to end their pain.
If you are suicidal, these 10 ideas can help:
- Be with people you trust and appreciate.
- Reach out to the safest person you can find (a brother or sister, your mother or father or an aunt, uncle, or grandparent, a religious leader, an old friend, an RA or instructor). Let them know how you're feeling and that you need to talk.
- Try to get enough sleep and eat nourishing food – sleep and food affect mood more than most people realize.
- Avoid substances, like alcohol, which can impair judgment and increase the likelihood of impulsive behaviors.
- Put together a Hope Box or access the Virtual Hope Box app.
- Take care of and sooth yourself. This can include taking a warm bath or shower, reading a good book, playing or listening to music with positive associations, or doing something else you enjoy. Try to accept comfort and support from others as readily as you would give it.
- Try to solve problems and “take care of business” one day at a time so your problems and worries don't pile up and seem insurmountable.
- Call or text a suicide hotline. See the left-side table at the top of this page.
- When you're feeling better, make a list of healthy things you can do and people you can call if you're feeling desperate. Keep the list in an easily accessible/remembered place.
- Set up an appointment with a counselor who can help you address your problems and concerns in positive ways.