Suicide is preventable.

We’re closing out National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month this September, but the truth is that suicide prevention needs to be a year-round focus. People who die by suicide show warning signs beforehand, and if the people in their lives know what to look for, they can intervene. And those efforts are not futile, because suicide is not inevitable. The right interventions can save lives.

This month and every month, let’s remain committed to suicide prevention.

How friends and family can help prevent suicide

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the first step to suicide prevention is to ask if you have reason to suspect someone is thinking about suicide. Remember, study after study has shown that asking about suicide does not increase suicidal behavior or thoughts. To the contrary, asking is the best way to start the conversation and build a connection with someone who is at risk. And that’s critical, because studies have also shown that listening, acknowledging, and talking about suicide can actually help to reduce suicide risk.

Another important step is to limit access to lethal means. Limiting access to firearms is especially important because guns are much deadlier than other commonly used suicide methods. Other lethal means, including knives, medications, and loopables (any item that can be used to make a noose), likewise need to be safely stored to reduce access, especially when the suicidal person is alone.

It’s critical to refer the at-risk person to mental health resources. The 988 Lifeline is a valuable first point of contact for people who are in immediate crisis. Depending on the situation, a person at risk of suicide may need inpatient or outpatient mental health treatment or other medical services.

Finally, loved ones need to follow up and stay connected with the at-risk person. The immediate crisis may have passed, but the underlying issues that led them to become suicidal may still be there, and a lack of connection is one such risk factor. Staying in ongoing, supportive contact after a mental health crisis can dramatically reduce suicide risk.

The role of medical professionals in suicide prevention

As the American Association of Suicidology puts it, suicide is everyone’s business. We all have a role to play in preventing suicide and ensuring that those at risk of dying by suicide get the support and resources they need. However, medical professionals have a particularly significant role to play, both because they work with at-risk people every day, and because they have specialized training and responsibility for their patients’ health.

Unfortunately, it’s far too common for physicians and other medical professionals to fail to take important, medically indicated steps to reduce the risk of patient suicide. When that happens, lives can be lost unnecessarily. Our job is to hold them accountable.

If you have lost a loved one to preventable suicide, contact us

Too many families are left to rebuild their shattered lives after losing a loved one to suicide completion. Our mission is to fight for accountability and justice for those families. We would be honored to listen to your story and explain your legal rights and options.

Contact us online today for a free, confidential consultation with the Law Offices of Skip Simpson. We’re based in Texas and serve families nationwide.