September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about suicide and how to reduce its prevalence in our country. Suicide is a deeply complex and painful issue, but you can save lives by recognizing the warning signs and understanding who is vulnerable.
Risk Factors for Suicidal Thoughts and Actions
Anyone can contemplate ending their life, but some variables make people are uniquely susceptible to suicidal ideation and behaviors.
- Mental health disorders: Conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia can increase the risk of suicide.
- Substance use disorders: People living with active addiction are at a significantly higher risk of suicide. Drugs and alcohol can exacerbate underlying mental health issues, worsening feelings of desperation.
- History of trauma or abuse: People who have experienced trauma, emotional abuse, or other profoundly painful life events may be more prone to suicidal ideation.
- Social isolation: A lack of personal connections and feelings of loneliness may lead you to believe that no one will miss you if you are gone.
- Previous suicide attempts: People who have previously attempted suicide are at a higher risk of trying again.
- Chronic illness or pain: Living with long-term physical health conditions can be mentally and physically agonizing, contributing to suicidal thoughts.
What Might Cause Someone to Consider Suicide?
There is no one-size-fits-all reason for someone to consider ending their life, but various factors and life circumstances can contribute to these feelings.
- Feelings of hopelessness: Thinking your situation will never improve may cause overwhelming despair.
- Loss of control: Experiencing a significant change, such as a breakup, job loss, or financial crisis, can make people feel they’ve lost the ability to take charge of their lives.
- Shame or guilt: Deep-seated feelings of guilt or shame can push someone to contemplate suicide.
- Feeling like a burden: You may believe your loved ones would be better off without you.
- Emotional numbness: Some people who develop suicidal ideation report feeling dissociation or detachment from the world around them.
The Link Between Addiction and Suicide
Tragically, there is a close relationship between substance abuse and suicide. Addiction can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts by worsening feelings of isolation, despair, and depression. Additionally, many people use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate underlying mental health issues and numb unpleasant feelings, which can spiral out of control over time. People may act impulsively while under the influence, leading to harmful or self-destructive behaviors.
- Increased risk of overdose: Thousands of Americans succumb to overdoses every year. Some of these people do not intend to end their lives, but use more drugs than their bodies can handle, leading to heartbreaking accidents. In other cases, people struggling with addiction might intentionally overdose to escape their pain.
- Dual diagnosis: Those who experience overlapping mental and behavioral illnesses are at an even higher risk of suicide. The cycle of addiction and mental illness can be relentless, making it harder to find a way out.
Spotting Early Signs of Suicidal Tendencies
Recognizing the red flags of suicidal ideation is critical in preventing a shocking loss.
- Talking about suicide: Expressions of despair and hopelessness or talking openly about wanting to die.
- Withdrawing from loved ones: Isolation from friends, family, and social activities.
- Changes in behavior or mood: Sudden mood swings, increased irritability, or an unusual sense of calm after a period of depression.
- Increased substance use: Turning to drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional pain.
- Giving away possessions: Someone preparing to end their life might gift possessions to others.
- Engaging in risky behaviors: Reckless driving, unprotected sex, or other dangerous activities can signal a disregard for personal safety.
Discover a Fulfilling Life
At NEM Recovery, we understand the profound connection between addiction and mental health struggles, including suicidal thoughts. Our compassionate team is here to provide the support and care you need to overcome these challenges. Contact us today to discover the miracle of recovery.
Call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of despair and suicidal ideation. In observance of National Suicide Prevention Month, we encourage everyone to stay informed and recognize the warning signs.
