Suicide prevention

Suicide prevention is a collection of efforts to reduce the risk of suicide.^[1] Suicide is often preventable,^[2] and the efforts to prevent it may occur at the individual, relationship, community, and society level.^[1] Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities. Preventing suicide requires strategies at all levels of society. This includes prevention and protective strategies for individuals, families, and communities. Suicide can be prevented by learning the warning signs, promoting prevention and resilience, and committing to social change.^[3]

Beyond direct interventions to stop an impending suicide, methods may include:

• Treating mental illness
• Improving coping strategies of people who are at risk
• Reducing risk factors for suicide, such as substance misuse, poverty and social vulnerability
• Giving people hope for a better life after current problems are resolved
• Calling a suicide hotline number

General efforts include measures within the realms of medicine, mental health, and public health. Because protective factors^[4] such as social support and social engagement — as well as environmental risk factors such as access to lethal means — play a role in suicide, suicide is not solely a medical or mental health issue.^[5] Suicide is known as the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. However, those who research suicide are saying those risks are saying those situations are starting to change. Cheryl King, a psychologist at University of Michigan, her research focuses on improving suicide risk assessments and evaluations in the youth. There is CLSP, which is Coping Long Term with Active Suicide Program. This is delivered over the telephone. Due to this, 30% of the patients had fewer attempts compared to those who did not have the CLSP. ^[6] Suicide prevention involves using a range of strategies designed to reduce the risk of suicide and support individuals in crisis. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), key approaches include increasing access to mental health care, creating supportive environments, and raising awareness about warning signs such as withdrawal, mood changes, and talking about death or feeling hopeless. Community-based programs, crisis hotlines like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and school-based interventions have been shown to make a difference. Research also suggests that reducing access to lethal means can significantly lower suicide rates (NIMH, 2023).^[7]