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Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.
You may not think suicide is common, but you'd be wrong. The Suicide Prevention Action Network USA states that suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, and that nearly 800,000 suicide attempts are made every year. When I read that just now, I am embarrassed to admit I was surprised. I write about women's mental health nearly every day, and I wasn't aware just how many people attempt take their own lives each year.
If you have lost a friend or family member to suicide, I can only imagine the hurt you must experience, and I am so sorry for your loss. If we take a brief moment today to remind ourselves of the signs and how we might help someone who is suffering, perhaps we can prevent another such loss from happening.
According to the National Council for Suicide Prevention, here are some of the signs of suicide risk:
- Hopelessness
- Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
- Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities, seemingly without thinking
- Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Withdrawing from friends, family and society
- Anxiety, agitation, unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
- Dramatic mood changes
- Someone threatening to hurt or kill him/herself, or talking of wanting to hurt or kill him/herself
- Someone looking for ways to kill him/herself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
- Someone talking or writing about death, dying or suicide, when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
If you see these signs, call a mental health professional or 1-800-273-TALK. If you see someone exhibiting any of the last 3 behaviors, it's important to make that call right away. You also can visit the NCSP's page on how to help someone who may be suffering for tips on what else you can do to be supportive.
When I had postpartum OCD, I considered taking my life. I even had a plan for how to do it. I didn't want to die, but I didn't know how to get through living at that dark moment of my life. Now I know, of course, that that time was temporary.
I'm so glad I'm still here.
Katherine Stone at Postpartum Progress @postpartumprogr
