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How to reach out to those who may be considering suicide

Press of Atlantic City - 9/26/2016

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death amongst all Americans, and the third leading cause of death among our young people. This September is designated as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, presenting an excellent reminder for all of us to understand how to reach out to loved ones to help and talk about suicide without increasing the risk of harm. Ignoring a potential problem is the quickest way for it to spiral out of control.

Today, more people die from suicide than homicide -- and experts

believe that due to underreporting, the number is actually much

higher. These numbers are staggering and yet they do not account

for the impact that suicide has on the families, friends and the

community left behind. More than 376,000 people every year receive

treatment in the emergency room for self-inflicted injuries. And

although they survived, too many of them go on to suffer from brain

damage, broken bones, organ failure, and depths of depression.

A new study has sounded alarms on the rising number of our veterans

at risk of suicide. The Department of Veterans Affairs released

data in July showing about 20 of our veterans commit suicide a day,

nationwide -- it is the most comprehensive suicide study conducted

by the department.

It continues to underscore the importance for each of us to

understand and be prepared for action to help our loved ones, our

veterans and our community. The truth is, given the dynamics of

suicide, it is often someone else who initiates getting help.

Dr. Nina's What You Need to Know: About Suicide Prevention

Is there a certain age group we should be worried about?

Suicide does not discriminate by age, gender, or socioeconomic

status.

What are some risk factors that make it more likely someone will

consider, attempt or die by suicide?

It should be noted that identifying those at risk, may not always

be obvious. And, too, there is no fool-proof checklist. Here are

some risk factors:

* Mental disorders: Depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders

* Substance abuse, including alcohol

* Family history of mental disorder, substance abuse or suicide

* Family violence, history of traumatic event or abuse

* Loss of a job, money or relationship

* Incarceration

* Exposure to others who have died by suicide -- referred to as

suicide contagion

What are warning signs of suicide?

These differ from risk factors in that they suggest suicidal

ideation or making plans to commit suicide. According to the

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, they include:

* Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves

* Looking for a way to kill themselves (buying a gun, researching)

* Talking about feeling hopeless, not having a reason to live,

feeling unbearable pain or being a burden to others.

* Increasing use of drugs, alcohol or other unhealthy behaviors

* Anxiety, agitation, rage, seeking revenge or reckless behavior

* Withdrawing or isolating themselves

And, too, if the behavior is new, increased, or related to a

painful event, the risk of suicide is greater. Take these signs

seriously.

How do I help someone I suspect is suicidal?

Although difficult, it may save a person's life. If someone you

know may be at risk, find the words and reach out -- start the

conversation.

And then listen. Experts recommend that being direct, willing to

listen and nonjudgmental are important. Let your loved one express

the despair or anger they are feeling without debating or

criticizing them. Let your loved one know that he or she is not

alone and that you care.

Know you are there to support, not solve the problem

* Enlist professional help. Let your loved one know that he or she

is not alone and that you care. Don't take responsibility, however,

for making your loved one well. You can offer support, but you

can't get better for a suicidal person. If there are warning signs,

encourage your loved one to see a mental health professional and

consider taking them to their appointment. Trained professionals

can help work through grief and improve overall mental health. In

the event of a crisis, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention

Lifeline, 800-273-8255.

* Take an active roll. Your loved one may not have insight or the

motivation to get themselves better. We often like to say "let me

know if you need anything" and place the ball in their court. But

when it comes to suicide, we need to be proactive.

* Stay committed. The initiation of any treatment is just the

beginning. "Talk therapy" can take months, or even years. It may

take a trial of different medications to find the one that works.

And there may be ups and downs (anniversaries of a death, break up,

traumatic event; holidays). If your loved one starts demonstrating

warning signs for suicide again, don't ignore it. You may not get a

second warning.

* Take care of yourself. Witnessing a loved one dealing with

thoughts about ending their life can stir up many difficult

emotions. As you're helping a suicidal person, don't forget to take

care of yourself. Find someone you trust -- a friend, family

member, clergyman, or counselor -- to talk to about your feelings

and get support of your own.

Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become

unbearable. Blinded by feelings of self-loathing, hopelessness and

isolation, a suicidal person cannot see any way of finding relief

except through death. But despite their desire for the pain to

stop, most suicidal people are deeply conflicted about ending their

own lives. They wish there was an alternative to committing

suicide, but they just can't see one.

If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts,

please remember, you are never alone -- you are precious! Reach out

now to a family member or friend or call and talk to someone at

800-273-TALK or 800-SUICIDE for help today. Please reach out; there

is help, there is hope.

Dr Nina Radcliff, of Galloway Township, is a physician

anesthesiologist, television medical contributor and textbook

author. Email questions on general medical topics to her at

info@ninaradcliffmd.com. This article is for general information

only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of

medical conditions and cannot substitute for the advice from your

medical professional. Radcliff has used all reasonable care in

compiling the current information but it may not apply to you and

your symptoms. Always consult a doctor or other health care

professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.