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Share Page. Suicide Prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.
The main risk factors for suicide are: Depression, other mental disorders, or substance use disorder Chronic pain A history of suicide attempts Family history of a mental disorder or substance use Family history of suicide Exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse Presence of guns or other firearms in the home Having recently been released from prison or jail Exposure, either directly or indirectly, to others' suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or celebrities Most people who have risk factors will not attempt suicide, and it is difficult to tell who will act on suicidal thoughts.
Identifying People at Risk for Suicide Universal Screening: Research has shown that a three-question screening tool helps emergency room personnel identify adults at risk for suicide. Researchers found that screening all patients — regardless of the reason for their emergency room visit — doubled the number of patients identified as being at risk for suicide.
The researchers estimated that suicide-risk screening tools could identify more than three million additional adults at risk for suicide each year. Other healthcare systems are beginning to use data from electronic health records to help identify people with suicide risk as well. Brief Interventions Safety Planning: Personalized safety planning has been shown to help reduce suicidal thoughts and actions.
Patients work with a caregiver to develop a plan that describes ways to limit access to lethal means such as firearms, pills, or poisons.
The plan also lists coping strategies and people and resources that can help in a crisis. Follow-up phone calls : Research has shown that when at-risk patients receive further screening, a Safety Plan intervention, and a series of supportive phone calls, their risk of suicide goes down. Psychotherapies Multiple types of psychosocial interventions have been found to help individuals who have attempted suicide see below.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT can help people learn new ways of dealing with stressful experiences. CBT helps individuals recognize their thought patterns and consider alternative actions when thoughts of suicide arise. DBT has also been shown to reduce the rate of suicide in adults with borderline personality disorder , a mental illness characterized by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior that often results in impulsive actions and problems in relationships.
A therapist trained in DBT can help a person recognize when their feelings or actions are disruptive or unhealthy and teach the person skills that can help them cope more effectively with upsetting situations. Medication Some individuals at risk for suicide might benefit from medication.
If you are prescribed a medication, be sure you: Talk with your health care provider or a pharmacist to make sure you understand the risks and benefits of the medications you're taking.
Do not stop taking a medication without talking to your health care provider first. Suddenly stopping a medication may lead to "rebound" or worsening of symptoms. Other uncomfortable or potentially dangerous withdrawal effects also are possible. Report any concerns about side effects to your health care provider right away. You may need a change in the dose or a different medication.
You or your health care provider may send a report. Collaborative Care Collaborative Care is a team-based approach to mental health care. Free Brochures and Shareable Resources Frequently Asked Questions about Suicide: This brochure provides information about suicide including risk factors, symptoms and warning signs, treatment options and therapies, how to find help for yourself or others, and research about suicide and suicide prevention.
Warning Signs of Suicide : This NIMH infographic presents behaviors and feelings that may be warnings signs that someone is thinking about suicide. Shareable Resources on Suicide Prevention : Help support suicide prevention awareness and education in your community. Use these digital resources from NIMH, including graphics and messages, to spread the word about suicide prevention.
The IHS Suicide Prevention and Care site provides resources to support suicide prevention efforts, and to help communities and individuals understand and obtain services related to suicide. MedlinePlus offers information about suicide from the U.
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Suicide: What to do when someone is suicidal. Products and services. Suicide: What to do when someone is suicidal When someone you know appears suicidal, you might not know what to do. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Ross AM, et al. Re-development of mental health first aid guidelines for suicidal ideation and behaviour: A Delphi study.
BMC Psychiatry. Malik S, et al. The association between sleep disturbances and suicidal behaviors in patients with psychiatric diagnoses: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic reviews. Schreiber J, et al. Suicidal ideation and behavior in adults. Accessed April 13, Kennebeck S, et al. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the US is also a great resource to memorize and use if you are concerned about a friend. Stigma associated with mental illnesses can prevent people from getting help.
Your willingness to talk about mental or emotional issues and suicide with a friend, family member, or co-worker can be the first step in getting them help and preventing suicide.
Begin a dialogue by asking questions. Suicidal thoughts are common with some mental illnesses and your willingness to talk about it in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational way can be the help a person needs to seek professional help. Questions okay to ask:. Asking these questions will help you to determine if your friend or family member is in immediate danger, and get help if needed.
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