Mental Health Series Part 2 - Suicide Indicators

In Part 2 of the Mental Health Series, Dr. Brown focuses on a tough, but important topic. Suicide. He will discuss what indicators to look for and how you can help your child through this time. 

In 2019…

10th leading cause of death in US

2nd leading cause of death among individuals between ages of 10 and 34

2.5 as many suicides as homicides

Indicators that trigger concern about suicide:

A. Individual

1. Previous suicide attempt
2. Discussion or threats of suicide
3. Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
4. Mental illness, such as depression
5. Social isolation
6. Criminal problems
7. Financial problems
8. Job problems or loss
9. Legal problems
10. Serious illness
11. Substance use disorder
12. Hopelessness
13. Helplessness

B. Relationship

1. Adverse childhood experiences such as child abuse and neglect
2. Bullying
3. Family history of suicide
4. Relationship problems such as a break-up, violence, or loss
5. Sexual violence

C. Community

1. Barriers to health care
2. Cultural and religious beliefs such as a belief that suicide is noble resolution of a personal problem
3. Suicide cluster in the community/school – suicide can be contagious

D. Societal

1. Stigma associated with mental illness or help-seeking
2. Easy access to lethal means among people at risk (e.g. firearms, medications)
3. Unsafe media portrayals of suicide

E. How to respond

1. 1. ASK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. 2. The only acceptable answer to the question, “Are you thinking of harming yourself?” is, “No, I am not thinking of harming myself.”
3. Unacceptable answers:

• I wouldn’t do that.
• I’m fine.
• I’m okay.
• I don’t believe in that.
• It is against my faith.

    4. If you believe that your child is suicidal, take him/her/them to the nearest emergency department for an evaluation to see if the child needs inpatient care. If they do not, then contact your child’s pediatrician for follow up, or if you child is already seeing a therapist, contact the therapist (after the emergency room visit.)

CDC website pages about suicide: https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/factors/index.html

National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/home

Marlatt, G.A. & Gordon, J. R. (1985). Relapse Prevention: Maintenance Strategies in the Treatment of

Addictive Behaviors. The Guilford Press. 558 pages.