Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. While suicidal thoughts are common, they should not be considered normal, and they often indicate more serious issues.
With September being Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we here at NAMI will be spending the month providing resources and support to those in need. We’ll be going over the statistics and warning signs, as well as providing resources for those who may be going through a mental health crisis.
Thoughts of suicide affect roughly 5% of the US adult population, more than 16 million people. These numbers are more prevalent in other groups, with 11% of young adults and 18% of high schoolers facing suicidal thoughts. It is one of the leading causes of death in teenagers and young adults.
There are many different warning signs of suicidal thoughts, and they aren’t going to be the same in every person, but here are a few general ones:
• Excessive worrying or fear
• Feeling excessively sad or low
• Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
• Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria
• Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
• Avoiding friends and social activities
• Difficulties understanding or relating to other people
• Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy
• Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite
Our goal at NAMI is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
Resources:
· How to Handle a Mental Health Crisis: A comprehensive guide made by NAMI to help those going through a crisis.
· What You Need to Know About Youth Suicide: Information and resources surrounding youth suicide.
· 988: The national number for those having suicidal thoughts.