Indiana Psychologists Offer Suicide Prevention Tips
By SARAH M. HONAKER
Public Education Campaign Coordinator
Indiana Psychological Association
INDIANAPOLIS — Monday, Sept. 7, through Sunday, Sept. 13, is National Suicide Prevention Week. On average, one American completes suicide every 12.8 minutes. In Indiana, more people die by suicide than homicide. The Indiana Youth Institute recently released alarming statistics about teen suicide in Indiana: 19 percent of Indiana teens reported they had considered suicide in the past year, with 11 percent reporting a suicide attempt. According to Dr. Melissa Butler, psychologist at the IU School of Medicine, “Teen suicide is the second leading cause of death and remains a serious health concern. Yet, suicidal teens often are not getting the specialized mental health services they need.”
Other groups at higher risk are the elderly, young adults, veterans and those struggling with mental illness or substance abuse. Dr. Yelena Chernyak, a psychologist at the IU School of Medicine notes that, “Individuals who are most vulnerable to suicide may experience mental, physical or substance use disorders. Effective prevention efforts to decrease suicide risk include providing effective clinical care for their medical conditions as well as family and community support.”
Most suicidal individuals do not want to die; they just want to end the pain. Suicidal crises tend to be brief, so early detection of suicidal behaviors can save lives. The following are warning signs of a possible suicide:
- Suicidal ideation or plan. This includes threatening to hurt or kill oneself, talking or writing about it or looking for ways, like seeking firearms.
- Hopelessness. Feelings of hopelessness about the future are more predictive of suicide than feelings of sadness or depression.
- Recklessness. Engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking. Withdrawing from family, friends and society.
- Increased alcohol or drug use. Individuals who abuse alcohol or drugs are at a much higher risk for suicide.
- Changes in sleep pattern. Being unable to sleep or sleeping all the time.
- Access to guns. Those with access to guns are more likely to complete suicide.
If you suspect someone you know may be at risk for suicide:
- Do not be afraid to ask. Talking about suicide does not increase the risk of suicide.
- Offer your support and guidance. Listen but don’t judge.
- Offer hope that alternatives are available and provide resources. For example, go with the
individual to a physician or mental health professional, or provide them with a crisis line phone
number.
- Take action. Get help from an individual or agency who specializes in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Individuals who have attempted suicide in the past are statistically more likely to make another attempt. Indiana psychologist Dr. Carrie Cadwell said, “According to the Center for Disease Control, for every one completed suicide, there are 25 attempts. So in the United States, in Indiana, there are many more individuals with the lived experience of surviving suicide. We must ensure that the mental health workforce is sufficiently trained to treat suicidality and support those who have attempted in their recovery journey. Many local agencies have joined the Zero Suicide Initiative as a way to begin to work towards meeting those goals.”
The following resources are available for help:
- National Crisis Line, (800) 273-8255 or (888) 628-9454 for Spanish
- Veterans Crisis Line, (800) 273-8255