Parkland experts call for conversations, compassion for suicide prevention
Suicide takes a life every 11 minutes
On this National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept.7-13), Parkland Health experts hope to remind the public that timely conversations and community support can save lives.
Suicide remains one of the most pressing public health challenges in the U.S., claiming more than 49,000 lives in 2023. That’s an average of one death every 11 minutes, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Individuals with suicidal ideation feel like a burden to their loved ones. They are afraid that trying to discuss how they are feeling will result either in judgment or minimizing of their pain,” says Josh Briley, PhD, CCTP, CCFP, FAIS, Psychologist Team Lead and Trauma Psychologist at Parkland.
However, surveys show more people have thought about suicide than one might actually think. The number of deaths pales in comparison to the number of Americans who have considered or attempted suicide.
The 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found approximately 14.3 million adults had serious thoughts of suicide, and roughly 2.2 million made attempts.
“Suicidal thoughts are often intense but pass quickly. This makes it very important to keep the environment safe for anybody who is at risk,” says Kimberly Roaten, PhD, ABPP, Associate Chief Quality and Safety Officer for Behavioral Health at Parkland and Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “If you are concerned about a loved one, remember to safely store firearms and remove large quantities of medication from easy access.”
Despite the large number of Americans struggling with suicidal thoughts, the subject remains a taboo topic often filled with embarrassment, shame and loneliness.
Dr. Briley explains that a common myth about suicide is that people who are considering it are only seeking attention and validation from others. However, he warns, “Anyone talking about suicide should be taken seriously and be listened to compassionately.” Another common myth is that people who are contemplating suicide are “weak” and want to “take the easy way out.” Instead, suicidal ideation is most often an indication of intense pain and a need for help.
All of these unsubstantiated beliefs, Dr. Briley says, only serve to discourage someone who is struggling from reaching out to receive the proper help they desperately need.
“The historical response of medical and mental health providers has discouraged some patients from honestly sharing their suicidal ideation,” he said. “In the past, the immediate response to a patient mentioning suicidal ideation was hospitalization. Now, we have more effective and compassionate methods of assessing suicide risk and developing collaborative treatment plans. Hospitalization may still be necessary if the risk is high, but it is no longer the automatic reaction.”
In 2015, Parkland became the first health system in the nation to administer a universal suicide screening program to identify persons at risk and help save lives through early intervention. The program screens all adults and youth, ages 10 to 17, regardless of their reason for seeking care.
Dr. Briley said there are some warning signs that everyone can remain vigilant for if they fear a loved one may be contemplating suicide, such as:
- Talking about wanting to die
- Feeling like a burden to others
- Unbearable emotional or physical pain
- Making a plan or researching ways to die
- Taking dangerous risks
- Making final goodbyes
- Giving away possessions
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Increasing alcohol or substance use
- Extreme mood swings
- Eating or sleeping too little or too much
It is okay to ask a person exhibiting any warning signs about their mental health and thoughts of suicide. Listen with patience and kindness and encourage anyone with warnings signs to get support from friends, family members or loved ones and talk to a trusted healthcare provider, he said.
Additionally, behavioral health experts at Parkland offer comprehensive resources and support for individuals experiencing mental health crises. The Behavioral Health Services Department offers a range of mental health services provided by trauma-informed psychiatrists, behavioral health providers, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses and psychologists.
“Things may seem hopeless and dark now, but reach out and get help,” added Dr. Briley. “Things always get better. Help is always available.”
If you or someone you know is facing a mental health crisis, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 for free and confidential support. Additional resources can be found here.
For more information about Parkland services, visit http://www.parklandhealth.org.
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