Suicide rates have increased in nearly every state over the past two decades, and half of the states have seen suicide rates go up more than 30 percent. About 45,000 people take their lives in the United States each year. Recent figures show Ohio has risen 37 percent, primarily in northeastern Ohio.



“It’s a complex societal and public health problem. We view others’ lives through our own eyes, and we cannot know how they view their own lives,” Hurst says. “What is clear is that in the end, they see no options for the future and have lost hope, the most common factor among individuals who attempt suicide.”

Research now shows there are specific ways to reduce suicide, including screening in primary care settings, assessing risk objectively, linking with treatment promptly and addressing access to lethal means of suicide. In the past, psychiatrists treated underlying depression with the belief that this alone would eliminate suicide risk.

Treatments have become much more refined, Hurst said. Specific therapies to address suicidal thoughts and behaviors have better results than unfocused therapies. These evidence-based therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy to reduce suicidal risk, dialectical behavior therapy for specific people and a newer therapy called Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS).

Can you help prevent suicide?

You may not know what to do with concerns about someone who may be suicidal. According to Hurst, asking someone about his or her feelings will not make that person more likely to attempt suicide.

“Inquiring about a person’s well-being and asking if someone feels like dying or ending their life is often unburdening to the person with those thoughts,” he said. “Those who are suicidal feel alone and isolated — and a kind outreach from a concerned person helps break that isolation.”

Hurst offered the following guidelines for helping a loved one or friend in crisis.

Know the warning signs

Is the person expressing no hope for the future? Self-loathing or self-hatred?

Is this person engaging in self-destructive behavior or withdrawing from others?

Does this person have a preoccupation with death? Is this person talking about suicide?

Is this person expressing a sudden sense of calm, getting affairs in order or saying goodbye?

Things that increase risk include the end of a relationship or marriage, death of a loved one, an arrest or serious financial problems.

What to do

Be caring and be yourself.

Listen.

Be sympathetic and non-judgmental.

Offer hope.

Take the person seriously.

Know local crisis resources.

What to say

“I’ve been worried about you.”

“I’m here for you.”

“It might not seem like it now, but things can get better.”

“What can I do to help?”

“I know you are feeling your life is not worth living now, but I assure you that it is. You are my friend and a person I value. Now let’s see about getting you some help so you start feeling that way, too.”

Avoid doing

Don’t argue with the person.

Don’t say the person will never do it.

Don’t act shocked.

Don’t promise confidentiality.

Don’t tell the person how to fix his or her problems.

Be proactive. The situation is a medical emergency and requires professional assistance. If a friend confides feelings of being suicidal, then encourage that person to seek help and, most importantly, indicate you will be there and you will help. Remove any potential means of suicide. Continue your support over the long haul.

Resources

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Suicidal Crisis Support: Text GO to 741741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.