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Grow in the Know / Mental Health / Suicide is an Epidemic. Here’s How to Help

Suicide is an Epidemic. Here’s How to Help

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Suicide Warning Signs, Red Flags and What to Do

By Mary Zamost, quality care coordinator at Network Health
Originally published on 9/16/2021 at 8:15 a.m.
Updated on 5/17/2023

Content warning: The following article contains content related to self-harm, depression, trauma and death.

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Perhaps no topic is discussed with as much difficulty and indirectness as suicide, if discussed at all. Unfortunately, however, suicide rates have increased notably over the last two decades. Not discussing this painful and challenging topic and what we can do to help is not the right answer. With suicide rates increasing, more people find themselves in the position of knowing somebody who made the tragic decision to end their life.

The following statistics from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) help illustrate the pressing need for assistance to those who are contemplating suicide.

Beyond the lives tragically lost, suicide has lasting traumatic effects on individuals, families and communities.

Recognizing the risk factors and red flags that precede suicide

The goal of suicide prevention is to reduce/mitigate those factors that increase the risk on a systemic or cultural level and to be aware of the warning signs on an individual level.

Knowing the warning signs and risk factors may help you determine if someone is more likely at risk of considering, attempting or dying by suicide.

Notable suicide red flags to watch out for include the following.

While risk factors are important to be aware of, looking for warning signs in individuals you know may mean the difference between life and death. Here are some common warning signs of somebody who may be contemplating taking their own life.

How to help somebody who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts

If someone you know is struggling emotionally or is talking about hurting themselves or others, you can be the difference in getting them the help they need by knowing what resources are available. These resources offer assistance to people contemplating ending their life and provide resources for those who may be close to somebody in this situation.

Local/regional Wisconsin suicide resources

National suicide resources

Remember that just checking in with somebody can make a world of difference.

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