Suicide Prevention Awareness: A Mental Health Safety Plan

Suicide Prevention Awareness: A Mental Health Safety Plan

A person dies by suicide every 11 minutes, claiming 130 people daily. Removing the personal and societal stigmas surrounding depression and suicide can save millions of lives. If you believe that you or a loved one is at risk of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Here are some suicide prevention resources and tips that can help you or someone you love.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Statistics

Dealing with suicidal thoughts can be a lonely experience. Please know that you are not alone.

Suicide awareness stats:

  • 1 in 5 Adults Experience Mental Illness
  • 7.7 Million Children Experience A Mental Health Disorder
  • 2nd Leading Cause of Death Ages 10-34
  • 78% of Suicide Cases Are Male
  • LGBTQ+ Youth Are 4x More Likely to Commit Suicide
  • 35% Increase In Suicide Rates Since 1999
  • Multiracial Are Most At Risk

This sort of visibility can help encourage you or a loved one to get the help they deserve. It can also open the eyes of those who might be unaware that a loved one is at risk.

Why Do People Commit Suicide?

Both survivors of a death by suicide and suicidal thinkers alike can have this essential question. There are many reasons why a friend or family member may have suicidal feelings. You might also have different triggers than them that might cause you to contemplate suicide.

There is no concrete answer as to why people commit suicide. They can be isolated events that pushed them over the edge, like losing a job or infidelity. Others might battle mental and behavioral health issues, like major depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.

We're all unique. Realizing this is a blessing and a curse for some. It's this feeling of being different that might cause one to isolate themselves and sink into a deep depression.

However, these differences should be celebrated. We're all irreplaceable to this world. Embrace who you or your loved ones are. Please speak to a mental health professional if you can't cope with suicidal thoughts or believe your loved one is at risk.

Suicide Prevention

How to Stop Suicidal Thoughts

Thoughts are fleeting, even negative ones. It's whether we choose to give these thoughts power that decides how long they take up rent in your brain.

As suicidal thoughts arise, there are some things you can do to prevent a suicide attempt. These tips are also useful if you suspect a family member or friend may attempt suicide.

  • Call A Loved One to Chat
  • Remove Any Firearms, Sharp Objects, or Weapons From the House
  • Go For A Walk Outside
  • Meditate or Do Yoga
  • Speak to a Mental Health Professional
  • Enroll in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Do A Hobby That You Love
  • Take A Nap
  • Avoid Substance Abuse
  • Text the Crisis Text Line at 741741
  • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
  • Contact A Local Support Group

Suicide prevention starts by being aware of your thoughts and feelings. Keep an eye out for warning signs. Let's discuss what to look out for when you suspect someone, or yourself, might be in a suicidal crisis.

Warning Signs of Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings

Knowing the warning signs of suicide can save a life. If a person is showcasing suicidal tendencies, don't be afraid to intervene. You never know what somebody could be going through.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, signs of a suicidal crisis include:

  • Talking/Thinking About Death
  • Expressing/Feeling Guilt or Shame
  • Acting Like A Burden to Others
  • Severe Mood Swings
  • Giving Away Items or Money
  • Substance Abuse
  • Trouble Sleeping/Racing Thoughts At Night
  • Creating A Will
  • Withdrawing From Social Interactions

Depression and suicide are sensitive subjects. Some people can cope with suicidal thoughts for long periods. Meanwhile, others attempt suicide over a crushing setback. 

It's important to know that we're all in this together. We’re going to provide you suicide prevention resources that can help you and your loved ones.

Suicide Prevention Resources

There are so many moving parts when it comes to mental health care. Try various resources to see what works for you and your loved ones.

How to Improve Mental Health

Checking in with your mental health is essential in suicide prevention. Meditate and exercise regularly to produce feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine.

Reset your body by a good night's rest by using Tranquility Labs' Sleep-Fast Enhanced Melatonin Spray. This non-habit-forming sleep aid can help calm anxious thoughts that keep you up at night by naturally lowering your stress levels.

Eat healthy meals during the day rich in lean protein and healthy fats like fish (omega-3s), fruits and veggies (complex carbs), and whole grains (fiber).

Empower a good mood naturally with Tranquility Lab's Tranquilene Total Calm. This all-natural supplement uses botanicals, vitamins, and minerals to promote natural GABA and serotonin production. These hormones offset the hormones that cause stress, anxiety, and depression. 

Seek out support groups that build you up, and spend time with loved ones. Do more things that bring you happiness during the daytime and get some good sleep at night. 

Repeat to live a happier and healthier life!

Essential Takeaways:

  • Suicide prevention starts with awareness

  • Having open conversations about suicidal thoughts and feelings could save a life

  • A healthy daytime and nighttime routine can help with mental health issues.

BONUS RECIPE: Banana Almond Flax Smoothie

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 medium well ripened banana, peeled diced into pieces, frozen
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/3 cup fat free plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp creamy almond butter
  • 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed meal
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 3 - 4 drops almond extract*
  • 4 ice cubes (optional)

-To a blender add banana, almond milk, Greek yogurt, almond butter, ground flaxseed, honey and almond extract.

-Blend until combined then add ice if desired and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

NUTRITION

Calories 392; Protein 11g; Fat 20g; Carbohydrates 43g

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