Suicide Awareness

Suicide is a complex issue that we need to talk about more, a topic we need to work towards destigmatizing so more people receive the help they need.

Free, 24-Hour Emotional Support and Crisis Line

863.519.3744

Help is one call away.

upset male

The Statistics

Every 11 minutes someone dies by suicide. In that same time period, there are 20 suicide attempts. That’s why it’s so important that we know the warning signs and how to help someone.

In 2022, 49,500 individuals died by suicide in the U.S. Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death for all Americans and the second leading cause of death for young people aged 10 to 24. Florida is ranked 22 in the nation for suicide rates. Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.

One. One voice. One person. It only takes one person to help prevent someone’s death by suicide. All you need to do is understand the warning signs and be willing to talk about the issue in a non-confrontational, non-judgmental manner. Very often people are afraid to talk about suicide because of myths. Let’s explore those.

Suicide Myths and Facts

Fact or Fiction?

Talking about suicide only puts the idea in someone’s head.

FICTION.

Research has repeatedly indicated that if asked this question, the suicidal person feels more relief rather than distress. The “secret” is out, if you will. Most people want to talk about their pain.

Fact or Fiction?

Suicide happens with some warning.

FACT.

Approximately 80% of individuals gave some definite clues of their intention and about 30% showed signs of depression three months prior, and in the older population many visited their primary care physician the month before their death by suicide.

Fact or Fiction?

The risk for suicide remains even when improvement follows a suicide crisis.

FACT.

Once someone has suicide ideation, it remains an option in the future. When someone has died by suicide in a family the risk of other family members dying by suicide increases exponentially.

Why Suicide?

What makes someone become suicidal? Why did they take their life? What happened?

These questions are hard to answer. Suicide is a complex phenomenon.

People who are considering suicide are experiencing intense psychological pain. They want the intolerable pain to stop. As the cliché states: it’s a permanent solution to a temporary set of problems. But people in crisis often get tunnel vision; they see suicide as the only viable option.

There are predominant feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. While there is often not just one thing but many that spark suicide ideation, malicious bullying, especially for youth on social media or at schools, can cause immense pain and tunnel vision.

Unfortunately, sometimes when individuals reach out for help their connections tell them to “snap out of it” or “it will get better soon” or encourage them to “pray about it.” Check out our Make It OK conversation tips for ways to be supportive and connect friends or loved ones to resources that could help improve, or even save, their life.

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Warning Signs

These signs must not be ignored! One of these indicators all by themselves may not indicate suicide, but when you notice a few of them together, you should take action to have a meaningful conversation. If you’re unsure of what to say, you can always call the Peace River Center Emotional Support and Crisis Line, 863.519.3744.

I – Ideation
S – Substance Use

P – Purposelessness
A – Anxiety
T – Trapped
H – Hopelessness

W – Withdrawal
A – Anger
R – Recklessness
M – Mood Change

How Can You Help?

Remember AID LIFE

Ask
Intervene immediately
Don’t keep it a secret

Locate help
Inform a trusted person
Find someone, don’t leave the person alone
Expedite, get help right away

PRC’s Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year by calling: 863.519.3744. Share this resource, you never know who might need it.

On-demand Suicide Awareness Webinar

Learn more about this important topic by watching our on-demand webinar. Want to schedule a Suicide Awareness and Prevention presentation for your group? We have virtual or in-person formats available. Email us, CommunityRelations@PeaceRiverCenter.org.

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