In 2022, over 13 million people seriously considered suicide (CDC), in addition to the almost 4 million people who made a plan, and 1.6 million people who tragically lost their battle to it. Therefore it's no surprise that talking about suicide is very uncomfortable for many people as this topic hits close to home.
Its prevalence and impact though are even more reason that we as a community should be informed about it, and know where to find support.
In honor of September being Suicide Prevention Month, here are 10 questions to help you build your knowledge and awareness around suicide. (See answer key below.)
#1 On average, what is the MINIMUM number of people affected by a person’s suicide?
A. 7
B. 22
C. 68
D. 135
#2 Why is it important to stop saying “committed suicide”? And, what is more helpful to say instead?
#3 Which of the following is UNHELPFUL when responding to someone who is talking about suicide?
A. Verbal contracts: Getting the person to verbally agree to not take their life.
B. Safety plans: A plan that identifies flags, triggers, action steps, etc.
C. Direct questions: Using clear language to ask if someone is feeling suicidal.
#4 True/False: Asking someone if they are having thoughts of suicide can MAKE them feel suicidal if they aren’t already.
#5 Which of the following are NOT one of the top 5 mental health diagnoses most associated with suicide risk?
A. Anxiety
B. Borderline personality disorder
C. Substance abuse
D. Depression
E. Bipolar disorder
F. PTSD
#6 Which of the following appears to be a common thread amongst the 5 mental health diagnoses noted above, and may be a significant contributor to suicide risk?
A. Nutrition
B. Exercise
C. Sleep
#7 Which of the following can significantly increase someone’s suicide risk?
A. Technology use for 3+hrs/day
B. Perfectionism + Pressure + Lack of connection
C. Isolation + Not wanting to be a burden + Fearlessness
D. All of the above
#8 Someone is at greater risk for acting on suicidal ideation (SI) when:
A. At the depths of their depression.
B. Starting to come out of a deep depression.
C. Feeling energized and back in normal life activities.
#9 True/False: If someone experiences chronic SI, it is even more urgent to strongly push them to change this.
#10 What are resources for those personally experiencing, or who know someone who is experiencing, suicidal thoughts?
A. 988, call or text
Open 24/7 via phone or walk-in
Text 38255
Call 1-844-493-8255
C. PFLAG
Website and crisis contact information for the LGBTQIA+ community
24/7
Text 838255
Call 988 then press 1
E. All of the above!
ANSWER KEY
#1 D, 135 people
#2 "Died by suicide"
The word committed is a remnant of when suicide was illegal, as well as stigmatized by the Catholic church which prevented people who had died by suicide from being granted the same funeral and burial rights as others. The word "committed" also infers blame and guilt, similar to "committed fraud".
Therefore, finding other ways of expressing this shows respect and empathy for those who are experiencing or have lost their battle with suffering.
#3 A, Verbal contracts
While it may make us feel relieved to hear someone say they won't end their lives, verbal contracts are not shown to significantly lower the chances of it actually happening. Rather, connecting a loved one to a therapist who can help them create a detailed safety plan is much more effective.
#4 False
You cannot make someone feel suicidal who isn't currently.
#5 A, Anxiety
#6 C, Sleep
#7 D, All of the above
#8 B, Starting to come out of a deep depression.
When in a deep depressive state, someone will have much less energy to plan or act on unsafe thoughts. However, this may significantly change as they start to come out of a depressive state as they have more energy, and yet are not fully emotionally stable.
#9 False
While loving someone with chronic SI thoughts can feel incredibly scary, their relationship to these thoughts is often very different than someone experiencing acute SI. In a chronic SI case, suicidal thoughts may have become a sort of comforting companion. The thought of losing this companion can lead to great emotional distress.
Therefore, instead of pushing them to change, encourage them to see a therapist who can help them build other coping skills and resources, as well as collaboratively explore their relationship with SI thoughts, allowing them to decide when these thoughts are no longer needed.
#10 E, All of the above
Sources: CDC website and Innovative Approaches to Suicide Assessment & Safety Planning training, by Khara Croswaite Brindle, September 2024
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