Suicide Awareness, Prevention, and Assistance

Suicide Awareness, Prevention, and Assistance

Tragically, more than 700,000 people die by suicide in the world each year.1 It may be surprising to hear, suicide is the second leading cause of death in those age 10 to 34.2 The cause of suicide is not clearly understood, however, many factors across a life-span often contribute to suicidal behaviors. Risk factors or warning signs such as challenges with mental stability, substance misuse, relationships, chronic pain or illness, finances, sleep, previous suicide attempts, talking about wanting to die, among other factors have been associated with an elevated risk of suicide.3

Asking if someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts can be uncomfortable, especially if you have never done this before.  Acknowledging and discussing suicide has not been associated with an increase in suicidal thoughts or behaviors, in fact, this may decrease the risk of suicidal thoughts.4-6

Preparing to ask this question in a non-judgmental, informed manner can reduce the discomfort or fear one may experience when interacting with someone with emotional pain.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available as a free, 24/7 support for an individual or their loved ones by calling or texting 988 or chatting on their website (988lifeline.org). Support is also available for those with visual or hearing impairment (dial 711 then 988).

While the Catholic Church does not approve or encourage suicide, as it is a grievous since against the fifth commandment, it acknowledges that grave psychological distress may reduce the responsibility of one dying by suicide.7,8 The Church prays for those who have died by suicide.  We pray that God may allow the opportunity for salutary repentance and grant eternal salvation for these souls.

Suicide and suicide attempts affect the health and well-being of friends, loved ones, co-workers, and communities. When people die by suicide, surviving family and friends may experience prolonged grief and emotional distress, and even thoughts of suicide themselves. One study estimated 115 people are exposed to this by one suicide with 1 in 5 experiencing significant impact.  If you or a loved one has been impacted by suicide, the Church prays is praying for you.  Connecting to support, sometimes professionally, may be needed to address distress which is impacting your quality of life. Please reach out to someone or explore resources.

If you would like to learn more, consider visiting:

References

  1. World Health Organization. 2024, August 29. Suicide. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide.
  2. US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. 2024, April 25. Facts about Suicide. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html.
  3. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. We Can All Prevent Suicide. https://988lifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/.
  4. Mathias CW, Michael Furr R, Sheftall AH, Hill-Kapturczak N, Crum P, Dougherty DM. What's the harm in asking about suicidal ideation? Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2012 Jun;42(3):341-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1943-278X.2012.0095.x. Epub 2012 Apr 30. PMID: 22548324; PMCID: PMC3597074.
  5. Gould MS, Marrocco FA, Kleinman M, Thomas JG, Mostkoff K, Cote J, Davies M. Evaluating iatrogenic risk of youth suicide screening programs: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2005 Apr 6;293(13):1635-43. doi: 10.1001/jama.293.13.1635. PMID: 15811983.
  6. Dazzi T, Gribble R, Wessely S, Fear NT. Does asking about suicide and related behaviours induce suicidal ideation? What is the evidence? Psychol Med. 2014 Dec;44(16):3361-3. doi: 10.1017/S0033291714001299. Epub 2014 Jul 7. PMID: 24998511.
  7. Catholic Church. (2000). Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition. United States Catholic Conference. 2282.
  8. Catholic Church. (2000). Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition. United States Catholic Conference. 2325.
Mental Health