Because suicide is a subject that’s not discussed much at all, someone you know could be suffering and you have no idea. The statistics are alarming.
Suicides among American youth grew by more than 50% in the last decade. For certain communities, suicide is even more pervasive.
On an average day in the United States, 1 African American dies by suicide every 4.5 hours. And, among the Black community, the numbers are even more troubling for our youth, where suicide attempts have increased more than 70%. Of those youth, a recent study found that 1 out of 4 pre- and early teen suicides identify as LGBTQ.
We must all do our part to be vigilant and to learn the warning signs of suicide ideation so we can intervene before it’s too late. Those most vulnerable to suicide tend to display a specific combination of moods and behaviors following the acronym: DEATHWISH. Here’s how to spot the signs of DEATHWISH, which could help you save the life of someone you love.
- Depression: Depression can take a variety of forms from generally feeling down to frequent crying, not eating or sleeping, to perhaps eating or sleeping too much. Even if you can’t see someone due to physical distancing, be on the lookout for troubling social media posts, which can often be a cry for help.
- Extreme mood swings: Drastic mood changes from elated and energetic to sad, tired and lethargic, can be a sign of anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses that put someone at risk for suicidal tendencies.
- Anger, agitation, anxiety or aggression: If someone you know is normally mild-mannered and easy-going but suddenly develops uncharacteristic aggression, uncontrollable anger or extreme irritability, it’s time to ask how you can help.
- Trapped: Those dealing with depression and mental illness have a hard time seeing a way out of their situation. Human connection is vital to our wellbeing and overall health. It’s so important to reach out to those who are vulnerable right now with a phone call, FaceTime or text to let them know that they’re not alone.
- Hopelessness: Feeling that life is a lost cause—that it’s not even worth waking up tomorrow—is a huge red flag. This, along with the sense of feeling trapped, is a recipe for suicide ideation.
- Withdrawal: If someone you know has lost interest in activities they once loved, calls off work repeatedly and is isolating from friends and family, these are all clear signs of withdrawal. While it may be hard to know the difference between withdrawal due to depression and suicidal thoughts versus health concerns over COVID risk, when in doubt, reach out.
- Ideation: Talking about suicide, even making casual references on social media is a clear sign of suicidal risk. Off-the-cuff references like “just shoot me now,” “I could jump off the bridge,” or subtly celebrating or being envious of those who’ve committed suicide for finding a way to end their misery are warning signs that simply cannot be ignored. Just weeks before taking her own life, This Is Us writer Jas Waters retweeted a message: If people start calling you a hero that means they’re about to let you die.
- Substance use: If someone you care about suddenly begins drinking heavily or using drugs, or you notice a marked increase in substance use, speak up. While substance use itself isn’t necessarily an indicator of suicidal tendencies, any drastic change in behavior is cause for concern.
- History of attempts or gestures. It should be obvious, but anyone who has previously attempted suicide or has a history of self-harm is at increased risk. But this behavior could also be more subtle: intentionally driving under the influence, a car crash that seems unlikely to be accidental, taking unnecessary risks or participating in uncharacteristically dangerous activities. These individuals need our immediate attention and intervention.
Looking for and speaking up when you spot these troubling trends can save someone’s life. When you see signs or symptoms in DEATHWISH, you should ask, “I am concerned about you, have you been thinking about wanting to end your life?” Talk to them directly, offer to help them find resources, take them to talk to a therapist, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK or text NAMI to 741-741 to connect immediately to trained crisis counselors who can help. The most important thing is that you take action.
