Suicide Prevention: No More Stigma

For the past few years, there has been a lot of focus on the mental health of children and adults, and most of the news hasn’t been good. However, a recent study is giving us a reason to be hopeful.

According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, American teens are experiencing fewer suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Whether that’s due to reduced stigma around mental health, celebrities sharing their mental health journeys, increased access to online mental health resources, or other factors, it’s a step in the right direction.

Knowing the Risks and Signs

Suicide is a public health crisis that impacts everyone. In 2024, nearly 14.3 million adults reported having serious thoughts of suicide, with 2.2 million adults attempting suicide in the past year.

People at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors include:

Middle-aged men
Young Black men
Veterans
Adults older than 75 years of age
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community
Native American/First Nation populations
Non-Hispanic white individuals
People who have disabilities
Individuals who self-identify as perfectionists

Lots of factors can trigger a suicidal crisis, including difficulties at work or school, loss of an important relationship, significant health challenges, legal or financial troubles, substance use disorder, and sexual assault or abuse.

If you suspect someone might be struggling with suicidal thoughts, look for the following behaviors:

Extreme mood swings
Changes in sleeping or eating habits
Lack of interest in things they used to enjoy
Decreased social interactions
Participating in increasingly risky activities
Feeling worthless, hopeless, or burdensome to others

Dr. Ryan Connolly, senior medical director of behavioral health at Independence Blue Cross (IBX), says that if you notice any of these signs in a friend or loved one, you should talk to them. “People who have suicidal feelings often feel disconnected from others. Showing them you care can disrupt those negative feelings. Using positive, caring “I” statements can help people feel like they matter to someone. For example, “I feel like you might be struggling with something. I want to help, and I’m here to listen.”

Build up to questions like, “Have you thought about suicide?”, “Do you have a plan?”, and “Do you have the means to carry it out?” If the answers to these questions are yes, the situation is serious. Gently remind them that 24/7 support is available through the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988.

Lowering the Risk for Suicide

According to Dr. Connolly, “Nearly 25% of American adults have a mental health issue like depression or an anxiety disorder. People with mental illness are at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and actions, but there are protective behaviors that can help reduce this risk and foster overall well-being.”

Dr. Connolly suggests adding these behaviors to your regular routine:

Embrace joy. Dedicate time each day to activities that make you feel good, such as exercising, spending time with a pet, writing in a gratitude journal, or listening to music.
Talk with someone you trust. Humans thrive when they spend time with people who genuinely care about them. Connecting with others also increases feelings of belonging and self-esteem.
Make time for self-care. Nurture your body and mind by getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet, and practicing meditation or deep breathing to relax.
Cultivate problem-solving skills. Successfully navigating challenges boosts resilience. Use your talents to turn negatives into positives. Start with small challenges so you can build momentum with each “win.”
Seek help when needed. If you feel sad or depressed for longer than two weeks, talk with a behavioral health professional. Emergency hotlines can provide immediate support in times of crisis.

Supporting Survivors of Suicide

The term “survivors of suicide” refers to individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide. The aftermath of such a loss can be devastating. Survivors may struggle with shock, grief, anger, and guilt. They may blame themselves or think they could have done something to prevent it, even though this is not the case.

Older individuals and people with certain cultural or religious beliefs may find it difficult to cope with a loved one’s suicide because of stigma and fear of being judged, so they might hide their pain.

And even when survivors feel like they have processed the loss, mentions of suicide on tv, in movies, or in the news, can be triggering.

If someone you know has been affected by suicide, offer compassionate support. Holidays can be particularly tough for survivors. Giving survivors a safe space to share feelings about their loved one can be comforting. You may want to encourage them to talk with a behavioral health professional, as therapy can also be helpful.

IBX members have access to a network of behavioral health providers. Call our Behavioral Health Care Navigation team at 1-800-688-1911. They can match you with an in-network provider that meets your needs and schedule an appointment in as quickly as 1 – 2 days.

Our members also have access to Brightside Health’s Suicide Prevention Program, a national telehealth program that delivers targeted care for individuals with elevated suicide risk.

If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline toll-free at 988.

For more information about self-care strategies for mental health and where to find help, visit ibx.com/knowyourmind.