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September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time for us all to pause and reflect on how we can each #BeThe1To prevent death by suicide and save lives.

Know the Facts

Unlike other leading causes of death, suicide is completely preventable.  Unfortunately, many still do not know how pervasive deaths by suicide are in the United States:

• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24, and has been increasing every year since 2007 ();
   
• The suicide attempt rate has leapt by as much as half among teenage girls during the coronavirus pandemic ();
   
• Average of 3,703 suicide attempts every day in the U.S. by young people grades 9-12 (); and
   
• Four out of Five individuals considering suicide give some sign of their intentions, either verbally or behaviorally ()

Know the Signs

80% of people considering suicide show signs of their intentions 鈥� knowing those signs is critical to prevention.  

Risk Factors:

• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders

• Alcohol and other substance use disorders

• Hopelessness

• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies

• History of trauma or abuse

• Major physical illnesses

• Previous suicide attempt(s)

• Family history of suicide

• Recent loss

• Easy access to lethal means

• Local clusters of suicide

• Lack of social support and sense of isolation

• Stigma associated with asking for help

• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment

• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma

• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

Warning Signs:

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves

• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

• Talking about being a burden to others

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Withdrawing or isolating themselves

• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

• Extreme mood swings

If you observe one or more of these warning signs, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change, step in or speak up:

1. Say something: many of us are uncomfortable talking about suicide, and may even fear that by saying something we could make it worse.  Research shows that asking someone if they are having thoughts of killing themselves is actually more likely to save a life.  

   • Have a list of crisis resources on hand.  Practice what you will say. Plan the conversation for a time when you won鈥檛 be in a hurry and can spend time with the person
      
   • Mention the signs that prompted you to ask about suicide. This makes it clear that you are not asking 鈥渙ut of the blue,鈥� and makes it more difficult for the person to deny that something is bothering them
      
   • Ask directly about suicide. Talking about suicide does NOT put the idea in someone鈥檚 head and usually they are relieved. Asking directly and using the word 鈥渟uicide鈥� establishes that you and the person at risk are talking about the same thing and lets the person know that you are willing to talk about suicide
      
   • DO NOT ask in a way that indicates you want 鈥淣o鈥� for an answer
      
   • DO NOT tell the person to do it. You may want to shout in frustration or anger, but this is the most dangerous thing you can say
     鈥�
   • DO NOT promise secrecy. The person may say that they don鈥檛 want you to tell anyone that they are suicidal.  
     Say this instead: 鈥淚 care about you too much to keep a secret like this. You need help and I am here to help you get it.鈥�
     You may be concerned that they will be upset with you, but when someone鈥檚 life is at risk, it is more important to ensure their safety
2. Listen: do not try to solve the person鈥檚 problem or tell them you know how you feel.  Let them talk and really hear what they are saying.  Reassure them that you are there for them, that you care about them, and that they are not alone.
   •  Listen to the reasons the person has for both living and dying. Validate that they are considering both options and underscore that living is an option for them
      
   • Let the person know you care. Letting them know that you take their situation seriously, and you are genuinely concerned about them, will go a long way in your effort to support them
     鈥�
3. Focus on safety: once you have opened the conversation and heard them, it is time to plan for their safety.
   • Ask the person if they have access to any lethal means (weapons, medications, etc) and help remove them from the vicinity. (Another friend, family member or law enforcement agent may be needed to assist with this.)  Do not put yourself in danger; if you are concerned about your own safety, call 911
      
   • Create a safety plan together. Ask the person what will help keep them safe until they meet with a professional
4. Get help: know the limits of your own expertise and be help the person see the value in reaching out for professional assistance.
   • Provide the person with the resources you have come prepared with. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline anytime at 1-800-273-8255.
     
     If you feel the situation is critical, take the person to a nearby Emergency Room or walk-in psychiatric crisis clinic or call 9-1-1
      
   • For additional resources, see below!

Know the Resources

Crisis Resources

These resources are all available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

• : 1-800-273-8255 or  
   
• : Text the word 鈥淗OME鈥� to 741-741
   
• : 1-800-843-5200
   
• : Call or text 916-787-7678
   
• : 1-888-281-3000

Educational Resources

• : more information on the campaign and additional resources from the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
   
• : California鈥檚 suicide prevention campaign.  Scripts for talking about suicide, resources by county, and more.
   
• (NAMI): learn about mental illness, National Suicide Prevention Month, and resources for:
  • Individuals living with mental illness,
  • Caregivers, family members and loved ones of those living with mental illness,
  • Help for specific populations including Youth, Veterans, and more,
  • Understanding signs and symptoms of mental illness,
  • and more!
• Educator resources at

For more information about SCUSD鈥檚 suicide prevention and intervention efforts, contact
Jacqueline Rodriguez, LCSW
(916) 752-3353