Dr. David Guion, PhD, is a clinical psychologist at JFS.
September 9 – September 15 is Suicide Prevention Week. This week is a time to continue the discussion to #stopsuicide. This topic has increasingly become in the public eye through the tragic losses this summer of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade.
There are no easy answers for prevention and awareness, but a strong start can be found in relationships. Good, mutually supportive relationships can help in multiple ways. Research shows that strong relationships help promote meaning and purpose and serve as a protective factor against suicide. People who feel connected to others and have a sense of purpose are less likely to try suicide. In addition, when you are in strong relationships with others, you are more likely to notice signs related to suicide.
It can help to know warning signs and some of the more common contributing factors to suicide. This requires really getting to know those around us, which helps us know their baseline or their typical way of being. Some common warning signs in others include depression, loss of concentration, not seeming like themselves, irritability, self-harm and withdrawal and isolation. Contributing factors, or circumstances that may lead to suicidal ideation, include relationship problems, financial problems, loss of and/or instability in housing, heavy and/or increased substance use.
One of the myths surrounding suicide for many people is the concern that talking about suicide pushes people to suicide. That myth has not been supported. It is important to let people know that you are concerned about them when you see signs of pain and be truly open to a conversation about their thoughts and feelings, including suicidal thoughts. It can help to validate their emotional pain rather than dismiss, avoid, or offer possibly unknowable certainties (e.g., “everything will be fine”) to their concerns.
If people are open and want assistance in addition to a helpful, supportive friendship, there are some resources. Some folks prefer to call in and some prefer to work with someone face to face. There are local and national resources and hotlines:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255
- Henrico Mental Health Emergency Services – 804-727-8484
JFS Counseling is a resource for folks who want face to face counseling. Counseling can help in a number of ways, including working on assistance with social connection, improving the health of existing relationships, coping skills for distressing emotions, self-care work, etc.
If there is an imminent threat of someone harming themselves, please call 911.
Otherwise, if you are concerned about someone who is contemplating suicide, or if you would like help with your own thoughts and feelings, please give us a call at 804-282-5644.
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