As winter drags on, so too can our energy levels and attention to healthy habits. This time of year can also be deadly for many suffering from mental health conditions.
Research shows that over the next few months, rates of suicide will increase, as will suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individual risk factors for suicide include previous suicide attempt; history of depression and other mental illnesses; serious illness such as chronic pain; criminal/legal problems; job/financial troubles or loss; Impulsive or aggressive tendencies; substance use; current or prior history of adverse childhood experiences; a sense of hopelessness; and violence victimization and/or perpetration (2023).
Additionally, among all people who die by suicide, 79% are male. The racial/ethnic groups with the highest suicide rates in 2020 were non-Hispanic American Indians, Alaska Natives, and non-Hispanic Whites, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) (2023). In the United States, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall but is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10–14 and the third leading cause of death among people aged 15-24.
Suicide attempts are more prevalent among women, but men are four times as likely to die by suicide. Of those who die by suicide, 46% had a diagnosed mental health condition, and about 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. In terms of numbers, in 2020, 12.2 million adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million adults made a plan, and 1.2 million adults attempted suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2023).
Warning signs for suicide risk run the gamut but can include: talking about being a burden; being isolated; increased anxiety; talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain; increased substance use; looking for a way to access lethal means; increased anger or rage; extreme mood swings; expressing hopelessness; sleeping too little or too much; talking or posting about wanting to die; or making plans for suicide (CDC, 2023).
The statistics above paint a dire picture of this phenomenon affecting so many. So what can be done to mitigate the effects and prevent suicide?
According to experts, suicide prevention can take many forms, including effective coping and problem-solving skills; identifying reasons for living (for example, family, friends, pets, etc.); or forming a solid cultural identity.
Positivity can also combat the conditions that often lead to suicide, such as depression and anxiety. Yi et al. (2021) studied anonymous questionnaires completed by 252 college students to understand the relationship between optimism and suicidality, or suicide risk. Overall, they found college students with optimistic personalities reported less suicide risk and found more meaning in life.
In terms of relationships, finding support from partners, friends, and family, and having high-quality physical and behavioral healthcare help, too. To that end, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or know somebody who is, get help!
The CDC offers a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org (988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365). You can also reach out to our trained professionals at Breathe Easy Therapy Services here for more information or to start services.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. (2023) Suicide Data and Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2023) Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (SPAM). https://nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Suicide-Prevention-Awareness-Month-(SPAM)
Yi, S., Chang, E. C., Chang, O. D., Seward, N. J., McAvoy, L. B., Krause, E. R., Schaffer, M. R., Novak, C. J., Ip, K., & Hirsch, J. K. (2021). Coping and suicide in college students: Does being optimistic matter? Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 42(1), 5–12. https://doi.org/10.1027/0227-5910/a000662
