Suicide is a difficult topic to discuss, but it's one that needs our full attention. Every year, countless lives are affected by the loss of a loved one to suicide, yet many of these tragedies are preventable.
The key to suicide prevention lies not only in awareness but also in fostering a culture of hope, understanding, and support.
More than 700,000 lives are lost to suicide every year, and it is the third leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds. For every suicide, there are many more individuals who attempt suicide. These are not just statistics; they represent individuals – friends, family members, colleagues – each with a unique story.
Suicide is rarely caused by a single circumstance or event. Many factors contribute to suicide risk. A range of factors – at the individual, relationship, community, and societal levels – can increase suicide risk. Individual risk factors include things like: previous suicide attempt, history of depression and other mental illness, chronic pain, substance use, current or prior history of adverse childhood experiences.
Within relationships, bullying, loss of relationships, and social isolation are risk factors that increase the possibility of suicide attempts. Similar to risk factors, there are a range of factors that can protect people from suicide. At the individual levels, protective factors include effective coping and problem-solving skills, reasons for living, and a strong sense of cultural identity.
At the relationship and community level, support from partners, friends, family and feeling connected to school and other social institutions protect against suicide attempts.
Aside from identifying risk factors to try and eliminate and protective factors to increase, it is important to work towards actively preventing and trying to control suicide attempts. Several measures, like limiting access to the means of suicide (e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications), can be taken to prevent suicide and self-harm. Being able to spot warning signs for suicide is also vital to suicide prevention.
When individuals talk about “being a burden”, have increased anxiety, anger, or rage, express hopelessness, or sleep too little or to much – these are clear warning sounds that self-harm may be imminent.
What can we do? When someone is struggling with thoughts of suicide, they often feel overwhelmed by pain and hopelessness. In these moments, what they need most isn't necessarily advice or solutions; they need someone who will listen without judgment. Active, compassionate listening can make a huge difference. Often, people feel isolated in their struggles, thinking they are alone in what they are going through.
Creating a network of support—friends, family, colleagues, or community members—can help someone feel less alone. We often think that only big gestures can make a difference, but in reality, small actions can be just as impactful.
A kind word, a thoughtful message, or even just sitting with someone in silence can convey support and compassion. It can let someone know they are not alone, even when they are feeling most isolated.
Even in the darkest times, hope is always present. It can be found in the smallest moments—a shared laugh, a sunrise, a supportive conversation. Remind those struggling that there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
Encourage them to hold onto even the smallest flicker of hope, as it can grow into something much brighter with time and support.
National Suicide Prevention Week is observed in September each year, and is an opportunity to bring awareness to a topic that’s difficult to discuss. The week serves as a reminder that mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being, and it encourages us to support those who may be struggling.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember there is help available. This week is a call to action – for each of us to show compassion, reach out, and make a difference in someone’s life. Together, we can create a world where no one feels alone, and everyone knows they have a place and a purpose.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741
Dr. Keating is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.