As September comes to a close, we’re reminded of the loss too many families have felt when loved ones died by suicide. We’re thinking of the communities that have been affected by preventable deaths by suicide. And we also recognize the progress that has been made in identifying and implementing suicide prevention methods that save lives.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, an opportunity to reflect on the challenging but important work of suicide prevention and the critical role individuals, families, and communities play in saving lives. We’re participating in this effort because we have seen over and over again the devastating impact that deaths by suicide can have.

Know the warning signs

Suicide prevention starts with recognizing that someone is at risk of dying by suicide. Unfortunately, too often, these warning signs go unaddressed. Key warning signs of suicide in adults include:

• Anxious, agitated, or reckless behavior
• Talking about feeling trapped, hopeless, or like a burden to others
• Changing sleep patterns (too little or too much)
• Withdrawal or isolation
• Increased substance use
• Extreme mood swings or overwhelming rage
• Talking about or making plans for suicide

In children and youth, the warning signs often manifest differently:

• Displaying overwhelming emotional distress
• Expressing hopelessness about the future or talking about plans for suicide
• Significant behavioral changes, such as withdrawal from social connections or unusual anger and hostility
• Giving away prized possessions
• Significant increase in agitation or irritability

If someone displays signs of suicide risk, immediate intervention is critical. The QPR model (Question, Persuade, Refer) provides a useful framework for friends, family, and others who interact with at-risk individuals to help prevent suicide. And It’s critical to connect at-risk individuals with suicide prevention resources, including the 988 Lifeline.

Dispelling myths about suicide

• Myth: If someone wants to commit suicide, there’s nothing anyone can do. In reality, suicide is usually an impulsive decision or can seem that way. At times, people can think about a plan, shelve the idea, and then pick up the suicidal thinking and act on the shelved plan when some stressor or thought appears to your loved one. Either way, intervene with keeping the conversation about suicidal thinking going until you feel better about your loved one. However, it is really a good idea to take the QPR course for your own confidence and peace of mind. Eliminating access to lethal means and taking immediate steps to intervene can and does prevent deaths by suicide.
• Myth: Talking about suicide increases the risk of suicide. In fact, talking about suicide or directly asking if a person is thinking about suicide is one of the most important steps to help the person find help.
• Myth: Access to firearms has nothing to do with suicide risk. As we’ve written before, access to firearms can dramatically increase the risk of dying by suicide because guns are much more deadly than other commonly used suicide means like pills and cutting.
• Myth: People who die by suicide are selfish or weak. Far from it. Any kind of killing is hard to do. Suicide isn’t a choice; it’s a reaction to severe emotional pain and feeling that there’s no way out of a bad situation. Many people who die by suicide suffer from psychiatric illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or substance abuse disorder. People become so overwhelmed that cognitive abilities are weakened severely.
• Myth: Treatment doesn’t work. Effective mental health treatment, including talk therapy, medications, and more, can absolutely reduce suicide risk. The key is to identify and implement the right interventions for a particular person’s needs.

If you have lost a loved one to suicide completion, we’d be honored to help

An important part of suicide prevention is holding medical professionals accountable when they fail to diagnose, manage, and treat suicide risk. Not only do we enforce patient safety rules when we must, but we teach clinicians and hospitals how to avoid being in a malpractice trap by being competent and what that means.

That’s what we do at the Law Offices of Skip Simpson. If you have lost a loved one to suicide, we are here to listen to your story and explain your options. Our law firm serves families throughout the United States. Give us a call or contact us online today.

New data released by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) shows a disturbing trend: among children aged eight to 12 years old, the suicide rate has steadily climbed over the last 15 years. As the Washington Post reported, there seems to be no single reason for this increase; rather, it’s a multifaceted problem that will require myriad solutions.

The NIMH data shows a steady increase since 2008

According to the data, there were 2,241 total suicides among preteens aged eight to 12 between 2001 and 2022. From 2001 through 2007, the suicide rate in this population was decreasing; however, since 2008, the suicide rate increased by about 8 percent each year.

Within this demographic, the largest increase came among preteen girls. Boys have always had a higher suicide rate than girls, but a disproportionate increase among girls has narrowed that gap. Between 2001 and 2007, the suicide rate among preteen girls was about 1.25 per 1 million; by 2022, that rate increased to 4.15 suicide deaths per 1 million.

The most common suicide method among preteens is hanging or suffocation, but firearms have played a significant role in the increase and are now the second-leading cause of death.

An ongoing mental health crisis among America’s youth

So what’s changed since 2008? Again, according to experts quoted in the Washington Post article, there are several causes, including the increasing role of technology and social media in preteens’ lives, as well as increasing access to firearms.

In 2008, social media was still relatively new; today, teens and preteens are using social media more than ever. Unfortunately, social media is known to increase suicide risk among young people. One study found a significant link between social media use and suicidal ideation in vulnerable adolescents, citing the rise of “cyberbullying,” exposure to substance abuse via social media, and social media’s role in body image concerns, especially among adolescent girls.

Another key factor in the increase in suicide rates is increased access to firearms. As we’ve discussed before, access to guns can dramatically increase the risk of dying by suicide because guns are much more lethal than other commonly used suicide methods. An access to a gun increases the risk of a suicide attempt, and it greatly increases the probability that an attempt will result in death.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic accelerated the mental health crisis in myriad ways: kids were home from school, watching loved ones get sick and even die, and dealing with a highly disrupted and uncertain future. However, it’s important to note that this is an ongoing mental health crisis that preceded the pandemic and did not improve with the widespread availability of vaccines and return to normalcy.

Parents, teachers, and medical professionals need to do their part to prevent suicide in preteens

In short, America’s preteens need help, and the adults in their lives need to step up and take action to prevent deaths by suicide. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, warning signs of suicide risk in children include:

• Talking about suicide
• Talking about feeling like a burden or having no reason to live
• Depression
• Anxiety or agitation
• Increased substance use
• Withdrawal from family, friends, and activities
• Sleeping too much or not enough
• Giving away prized possessions

All adults in the lives of children need to be on alert for changes in behaviors. If adults see these changes, question the child for more information. Ask directly about thoughts about suicide. QPR is the best training for adults to help children. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. QPR is the most widely taught Gatekeeper training in the world. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone (including children) to help. See qprinstitute.com for more information and courses on how to save those around you from suicidal behavior.

Medical professionals who care for children need to recognize these warning signs, conduct suicide assessments, and refer their patients to the appropriate resources to help prevent suicide. When they fail to do so, lives can be tragically cut short. That’s why a key element of youth suicide prevention is accountability for victims and their families.

If you have lost a child to suicide completion, we can help

The Law Offices of Skip Simpson is dedicated to representing families and holding medical professionals accountable when they don’t protect patients. If you have lost a child to suicide, we would be honored to listen to your story and explain your legal options. Our firm is based in Texas and represents families throughout the United States.

Suicide prevention is a key part of preventing maternal deaths

It’s well-known that the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any developed country. Many of those maternal deaths are caused by physical health conditions related to pregnancy or complications during childbirth. However, maternal deaths by suicide also play a significant role, and a new study sheds light on the risk factors and possible prevention methods.

The risk of suicide is often elevated during stressful and transitional moments in life, and pregnancy is no exception. Medical providers, as well as partners and family members, need to do their part to protect women from suicide during this vulnerable time.

The study identifies key risk factors during the perinatal period

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, looked at 1,150 women and girls who died during pregnancy or the post-partum period, either of suicide or of unknown causes. According to the researchers, key risk factors included:

• Intimate partner problems
• Depression, including postpartum depression
• Substance abuse
• Physical health problems
• Death of a friend or family member

Some demographic factors also played a role in the suicide risks examined by the study. The authors noticed that single mothers were more likely to die by suicide compared to married women. The authors also noted that low income and low educational attainment are correlated with an increased risk of intimate partner violence, which in turn increases the risk of suicide.

“This work suggests that pregnancy is a period of transition in people’s lives when preexisting factors that contribute to suicide risk can come together in various ways, in addition to social, psychological, and biological risk factors that are part of the perinatal period itself,” said study co-author Briana Mezuk, professor of epidemiology and director of the Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

Loved ones and medical providers need to do their part to prevent maternal suicide

According to the 988 Lifeline, loved ones can help to reduce suicide risk in pregnant women and new mothers by:

• Asking and listening. Many mothers are afraid to speak up about their mental health symptoms or are so focused on the baby that they are unable to take care of themselves. They may also experience stigma and shame around mental health. That’s why it’s important to check in with loved ones, listen empathetically, and tell them it’s okay to talk about how they’re feeling.
• Know the facts. Mental health symptoms are the single most common childbirth complication, and they’re not the woman’s fault: they can be caused by biological, psychological, and social factors. Friends, family members, and professionals alike need to know the facts about maternal mental health when interacting with pregnant women and new mothers.
• Get help. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is the most widely taught Gatekeeper training in the world. QPR is the best source you can find to help a loved one (including our moms or moms-to-be) who may be at risk for suicide. See qprinstitute.com for more vital information on how to be a helpful friend, spouse, brother, or sister. Resources such as the 988 Lifeline, mobile crisis teams, and outpatient and inpatient mental health services are available to help mothers stay safe. These resources are the “R” part of QPR, but you have to know there is a problem first. You know there is a problem by asking (Q) questions. Asking someone about suicide will not put the idea into their head; they will be relieved you asked.

If you lost a loved one to suicide completion, we’d be honored to hear your story

In the aftermath of a preventable death by suicide, families deserve answers. The Law Offices of Skip Simpson holds negligent medical professionals accountable when they fail to protect mothers and other patients at risk of dying by suicide. If you have lost a loved one to suicide, our legal team would be honored to listen to your story, free of charge. Our firm is based in Texas and serves families throughout the United States.

Researchers say being up late at night may be linked to dangerous behavior

It’s well-known that better sleep has numerous health benefits, while disrupted sleep can cause or exacerbate many medical issues. However, many people may not be aware of the link between disturbed sleep and suicide.

But that link is quite strong, according to researchers at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, who studied the times at which suicides and homicides occur. The result: while the most overall suicides happen in the middle of the day, when adjusted for the number of people who are awake at the time, the risk of suicide is five times greater between 2 AM and 3 AM.

The researchers’ “mind after midnight” hypothesis

The study, published last month, reviewed data from more than 78,000 suicides and 50,000 homicides in 35 states between 2003 and 2017. Suicide and homicide likely have more in common than is currently known; this study found another common feature: increased risk due to nocturnal wakefulness.

According to the study authors, being awake late at night has dangerous effects on the brain. Complex decision-making and rational thinking are weakened, risk/reward processing is distorted, and all this occurs while negative mood is at its peak.

The study found that these risks were exacerbated by other factors that impair decision-making and rational thinking, such as intoxication with alcohol. And the risk was highest among people age 15-24, who already have less ability to make complex decisions and think rationally compared to older adults.

A previous study, published in 2016 in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, found a similar connection between being awake at night and suicide risk. The authors of that study suggested that disturbed sleep and circadian neurobiology may have an effect on suicidality.

Understanding the link between sleep and suicide is critical for suicide prevention

The good news hidden in these study results is that insomnia can be managed and sleep disruptions can be mitigated. If we can help people who are at risk of suicide get better sleep, the data says that the risk of death by suicide will be at least somewhat reduced. Psychiatrists and other mental health providers should incorporate sleep assessments and appropriate interventions into their safety plans for patients who are at risk of suicide. They also need to follow up on patients’ complaints of disrupted sleep, treating them just as seriously as any other suicide risk factor.

Death by suicide occurs at times when decision-making, rational thinking, and impulse control are completely impaired. The popular myth that if a person wants to die by suicide, they eventually will, is just that: a myth. If appropriate interventions are made when a person is at the highest risk, the evidence says that they will most likely survive for the long term.

If you have lost a loved one to suicide completion, we can help

Another important component of suicide prevention is fighting for accountability for victims. The Law Offices of Skip Simpson stands up for families and holds negligent medical professionals accountable when they fail to protect patients at risk of dying by suicide. If you have lost a loved one to suicide completion, we would be honored to listen to your story in a free, confidential consultation. We’re based in Texas but serve families nationwide.

Queer and transgender youth are facing an escalating mental health crisis, with many contemplating ending their lives. The Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People highlights this urgent issue and sheds light on the challenges these young individuals face.

The 2024 survey is the sixth of its kind conducted by the Trevor Project, which gathered responses from over 18,000 LGBTQ+ individuals ages 13 to 24. This report reveals that LGBTQ+ youth are not only grappling with suicide risk, bullying, and discrimination but are also heavily impacted by anti-LGBTQ+ laws and face difficulties accessing mental health care.

What is the suicide risk for LGBTQ+ youth?

The survey’s findings are alarming: 39% of LGBTQ+ young people considered suicide in the past year, and 12% made an attempt. Transgender and non-binary youth are particularly vulnerable, with nearly half contemplating suicide and about 14% attempting it. The risk is even higher among transgender youth and LGBTQ+ youth of color. For example, 48% of Indigenous LGBTQ+ youth considered suicide.

Ronita Nath, vice president of research at the Trevor Project, made it clear that these youth are not inherently prone to higher suicide risk but are placed at risk due to societal stigma and discrimination. Threats of conversion therapy, discrimination, and physical harm exacerbate this risk.

What are the mental health challenges LGBTQ+ youth face?

In addition to the high suicide risk, LGBTQ+ youth experience elevated rates of depression and anxiety. According to the survey, 66% reported anxiety symptoms, and 53% reported depression symptoms in the past year. Among them, transgender youth and youth of color again showed higher rates.

A significant pressure point for LGBTQ+ youth is the surge in discriminatory legislation across the United States. This year is poised to break records for the most anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced, further worsening the mental health crisis for these young people. Stephen Russell, director of the School of Human Ecology at The University of Texas at Austin, notes that these laws are undoing decades of supportive work in schools.

The survey indicates that most LGBTQ+ young people feel their mental health is affected by anti-LGBTQ+ policies, with nearly two in five considering moving to a different state due to these politics. Among transgender and non-binary youth, 61% of those on gender-affirming hormones are concerned about losing access.

What can we do to support the LGBTQ+ community?

Community support plays a crucial role in the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth. However, only 40% reported that their home environment is supportive. The survey also revealed that 32% of LGBTQ+ youth were verbally harassed at school, 9% sexually harassed, and 4% physically attacked in the past year. Additionally, 60% felt discriminated against at least once in the past year due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Despite the high prevalence of mental health challenges, half of the LGBTQ+ youth who needed mental health care were unable to access it. Major barriers included:

• Fear of discussing mental health.
• Not wanting to seek parental permission.
• Concerns about not being taken seriously.
• Affordability.
• Fear of being outed.
• Worry about being misunderstood.

Despite these challenges, the survey also highlights ways to support LGBTQ+ youth. That includes supportive homes, schools, and communities. Nath points out that LGBTQ+ youth report lower rates of suicide attempts when they have access to supportive spaces. For example, the survey found that 78% of LGBTQ+ young people have at least one adult at school who supports their identity.

Supporting LGBTQ+ youth involves various actions, such as:

• Educating oneself on LGBTQ+ issues.
• Opposing politicians who advocate for discriminatory legislation.
• Respecting gender expression and pronouns.
• Welcoming their partners.
• Showing support on social media.
• Displaying pride flags.

Our law firm fights for justice and accountability

Supporting LGBTQ+ youth is not just about preventing suicide; it’s about affirming their right to live authentic, fulfilling lives. However, medical professionals who treat LGBTQ+ patients must be aware of the unique challenges such patients face and recommend appropriate medical interventions to prevent self-harm or suicide attempts.

The Law Offices of Skip Simpson is dedicated to holding negligent medical professionals accountable and demanding justice for grieving families. If you have lost a loved one to suicide completion, contact us for a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation, either by phone or online. Our law firm is based in Texas, but we proudly serve families nationwide.

Young Black men often face systemic racism, socioeconomic disparities, and other challenges that impact their mental health. A recent study from the University of Georgia reveals that one in three rural Black men have experienced thoughts of suicide or death in the past two weeks. The study suggests that early-life adversity and racism are significant factors contributing to these feelings.

Suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among African Americans aged 15 to 24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rate at which Black men die by suicide is notably higher than that of Black women, with men dying by suicide over four times as often. This issue appears to be under-discussed and is escalating.

According to Michael Curtis, a co-author of the study and an alumnus of UGA’s Human Development and Family Science Department, there seems to be a lack of focus on identifying which groups are most vulnerable to suicidal thoughts.

“Historically, research has not invested a lot of time and effort in looking into what are the unique cultural contexts that make certain men more at risk for suicidal thoughts than other men,” said Curtis.

How childhood adversity and racial discrimination impact the mental health of young Black men

According to the research, growing up in environments with limited resources and experiencing racial discrimination in early adulthood can hinder the development of healthy, trusting relationships. This lack of trust and caution in social interactions can lead to isolation, which may, in turn, trigger suicidal ideation.

The study tracked over 500 African American men from rural Georgia, from their late teens into their early 20s, over several years. At three different points during the study, these individuals were prompted to recount their childhood experiences and focus on economic struggles and traumatic events. The survey included questions about:

• Physical or emotional abuse
• Witnessing abuse within the family
• Feeling cherished and valued
• Having sufficient food
• Access to medical care during their childhood

Participants in the study were also questioned about their perceptions and emotions regarding close relationships. That includes their trust in romantic partners and concerns about being exploited in relationships. They were asked how often they felt they had been treated unjustly due to their race in the past six months. Additionally, the researchers inquired about symptoms of depression and the frequency of suicidal thoughts or thoughts about death in the last two weeks.

The findings indicated that childhood experiences of trauma, deprivation, and racial discrimination significantly affected the mental health of the participants as they transitioned into adulthood.

Curtis explained, “We found when Black men were exposed to childhood adversity, they may develop an internal understanding of the world as somewhere they are devalued, where they could not trust others, and they could not engage the community in a supportive way.”

What challenges of adversity do young Black men face?

Young Black men, particularly those in rural areas, face greater challenges from childhood adversity. They are more likely to emerge from economically struggling families, live in under-resourced neighborhoods, and encounter trauma within their communities compared to their white counterparts.

Previous studies have documented that racial discrimination heightens the risk of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress among Black individuals across all age groups. While childhood neglect and trauma are predictors of suicidal ideation, the research also highlighted that racial discrimination alone significantly contributes to higher instances of suicidal thoughts.

Steve Kogan, the study’s lead author and a professor at UGA’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences, found that even those who had positive childhood experiences but faced racial discrimination in early adulthood struggled to form and sustain healthy relationships. This isolation often led to increased suicidal thoughts.

“For people who have suicidal thoughts, there’s this sense that no one knows me, nobody cares about me, there’s nobody there for me, I am alone,” said Kogan.

What is the role of healthy relationships in suicide prevention?

Healthy relationships are crucial for mental health and suicide prevention, according to researchers. These connections provide a vital support system for reaching out when overwhelming feelings arise. Parents also have a significant role in aiding their children through these challenges.

“More research is needed, but one finding is unequivocal: Loving yourself as a Black person is foundational,” said Kogan. “Teaching children and youth to be proud of being Black counters the potential for them to internalize negative messages about Blackness that pervade U.S. society.”

This study, conducted by Ava Reck, a doctoral student at UGA’s Human Development and Family Science program, and Assaf Oshri, an associate professor at the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, was published in the journal Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology.

Contact a suicide lawyer who advocates for justice

When families experience the devastating loss of a loved one due to a preventable suicide, they are often left searching for answers and accountability. The Law Offices of Skip Simpson is dedicated to supporting the families of young Black men. We hold accountable medical professionals who could have prevented a suicide but failed to do so.

If your family has suffered such a tragic loss, we encourage you to reach out to us. We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Based in Texas, we provide experienced and compassionate legal services to families across the entire United States. Contact us either by phone or online to learn how we can assist you during this difficult time.

When someone has suicidal thoughts, an otherwise rational person can be overwhelmed, unable to think clearly, and irrationally end their life being unable to consider the consequences of their actions.

During these periods, it is absolutely vital to prevent that person from having the ability to take their own life, which is why gun control and gun safety can play a major role in suicide prevention.

The American Association of Suicidology was pleased to learn about newly elected President Joe Biden’s recently announced actions on tackling gun violence and for remembering to address suicides in that context.

Although the headlines tend to focus on gun violence that occurs during a criminal act, the majority of deaths caused by firearms in America are suicides. Furthermore, in America, just over half of all completed suicides in 2019 were caused by a firearm, which amounted to nearly 25,000 deaths.

“The Biden administration has announced a series of initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of gun violence in America,” said Michael Anestis, PhD, Co-Chair of AAS’s Firearms and Suicide Committee and Executive Director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center. “The American Association of Suicidology is grateful that, in doing so, the administration specifically mentioned firearm suicide.”

What are red flag laws?

One of the notable policies that President Biden outlined was having the Justice Department publish examples of so-called “red flag” laws that states would be able to pass.

A Red Flag law would allow for an individual to request a court order that would temporarily bar another person who has presented a danger to themselves or others from buying a gun.

For example, if someone has repeatedly expressed suicidal ideations, their brother, spouse or relative could file a request to make sure that person wouldn’t have access to a firearm that could potentially be used in a suicide attempt.

“Pursuing data-driven solutions like extreme risk protection orders is a meaningful first step and a sign that the Administration is willing to actively pursue data-driven life saving measures to prevent firearm suicide,” Anestis said.

Easy access to firearms poses a risk

It must be pointed out that firearm ownership does not create suicidal ideation or make a non-suicidal person more likely to consider suicide.

What firearms do is increase the risk of death by suicide as an estimated 85%-95% of all suicide attempts involving a firearm result in death. This is a much higher percentage than many other methods of attempting suicides.

For comparison, the most common method of attempting suicide is by intentionally overdosing, which has estimated to be deadly in 2-3% of attempts.

Although firearm ownership does not cause or increase suicidal ideation, firearm access does increase suicide risk among members of a home where a firearm is present, particularly if the firearms are unlocked and loaded in the home.

Responsible firearm ownership, which includes safely securing firearms in a gun safe or storing them outside the home, can go a long way toward lowering this risk.

The Law Offices of Skip Simpson has the experience and knowledge to investigate the circumstances of suicide and help families navigate what is an extraordinarily difficult time. We serve clients nationwide. If you have a loved one who has committed suicide via firearm, contact Skip Simpson today.

A diagnosis of cancer is always going to be a traumatic experience in a person’s life regardless of circumstance as it heralds a long struggle to recover, a significant amount of pain in the future, and in some cases the possibility of death.

However, proper cancer treatment should not and cannot be limited to just treating the physical symptoms. Cancer can also cause significant damage to a person’s mental state, so it is just as important that cancer patients receive adequate care for their psyche.

Although suicidal ideation can affect anyone in nearly any circumstance, studies have shown that people who have been diagnosed with cancer have at least double the risk of dying by suicide as the average person, with the risk being the highest right after diagnosis. The level of risk increase varies based on the type of cancer diagnosed, with cancers affecting the head, neck, pancreas, and larynx being among those with the highest risk.

There is confusing data regarding exactly what it is about cancer that increase suicide ideation, given that the disease often creates a sense of hopelessness, depression, and in some cases a wish to hasten death.

However, the risk of suicide ideation is increased significantly if a patient felt their dignity and quality of life deteriorating. For example, a study on patients with stomach cancer showed that suicide risk increased significantly if their caner caused bowel distress. Similarly, patients who experience significant pain are at higher risk of suicide, which is a large reason a key component of cancer treatment should be pain management.

Similar to the treatment of depression

The treatment for suicidal ideations in cancer patients is very similar to the treatment of depression in the general population. Cancer patients need adequate psychological care and therapy that is sometimes supplemented by pharmaceuticals, though great care is required to ensure any mood-altering medications don’t interfere with cancer treatments.

Some level of psychotherapy is critical for a patient to adjust to the new challenges those diagnosed with cancer will face as well as to help them set new goals for the future and maintain a healthy outlook on life.

One of the major issues when it comes to dealing with suicidal ideation in cancer patients is that many health care providers do not believe they are adequately prepared to discuss suicide prevention and mental health, nor do they feel they have the ability to provide the appropriate care and resources to people experiencing suicidal ideation.

This study is quite alarming as it shows that many places are unable to provide the full breadth of treatment needed to ensure a patient’s well-being in the event of a cancer diagnosis.

Suicide and cancer are two of the top 10 causes of death among adults living in the United States, and people who are diagnosed with cancer are at a much higher risk of dying by suicide due to a variety of biological and psychological factors. As such, cancer patients must be able to receive quality mental health care in addition to treating the physical symptoms.

The Law Offices of Skip Simpson has the experience and knowledge to investigate the circumstances of suicide and help families navigate what is an extraordinarily difficult time. We serve clients nationwide, so if a loved one was diagnosed with cancer and died by suicide after receiving inadequate mental health care, contact attorney Skip Simpson today.

Living through the COVID-19 pandemic these past 12 months has been stressful for just about everyone. The strain on mental health has been especially noticeable among pre-teens and teenagers. Studies have shown a significant surge in suicidal ideation in young people during several months of the pandemic, leading to concerns that the risk of suicide is rising in an already vulnerable population.

Even during the best of times, adolescence is a time when many mental health problems emerge as young brains develop and struggle with the challenges of growing up. Add in the strain of increased isolation from their friends, the loss of stress-relieving after-school activities, uncertainty about when they will be able to return to a regular classroom, and the fears that their world might never be the same again. This all has placed tremendous pressure on young people and their families.

Addressing youth mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

Some of the stories of youth suicides during the pandemic have been heartbreaking. In Texas, a 12-year-old boy died by suicide in April 2020 after being unable to cope with the isolation of remote schooling. In Connecticut, a 17-year-old football player and straight-A student died by suicide in February when depression overwhelmed him. In Las Vegas, a rash of student suicides prompted the school superintendent to decide to reopen schools. Now more than ever, it is vital for parents, teachers, and relatives to ensure that their loved ones receive the appropriate attention and treatment for mental health struggles.

No one knows for sure if adolescent suicides have increased this year because the data on suicides for the past 12 months has yet to be compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts are concerned about getting adolescents the help they need to weather the pandemic, however. They say parents must teach their children to use all of the proper safety precautions including masks and social distancing so that they can get some outdoor social interaction, even if it is something brief, such as walking through a park or going for a bike ride. Spending too much time indoors with no one to talk to can make a young person feel miserable and increase the risk of suicide.

When socializing with others isn’t possible, parents need to check in with their kids and not be afraid to have serious conversations that allow them to share their concerns and fears. Experts suggest asking questions about how they are coping with the pandemic and, if they seem depressed, asking them directly if they have considered suicide. No matter how they answer, resist the urge to just try and offer an immediate solution or tell them “don’t worry.” Adolescents need to feel that their problems are valid and aren’t something that can just be hand-waved away. It isn’t always easy to resist that urge to try and solve a child’s problem, but it will help build the trust that is vital for young adults.

Mental health professionals need to do their part

In some cases, young people may need more support than a parent can offer, whether that support comes from crisis lines, a therapist, or an inpatient mental health facility. It is crucial for parents to be able to rely on mental health services to give children the proper treatment as the consequences of inadequate care can be deadly.

Sometimes, despite a parent’s best efforts, a child may die by suicide. If the unthinkable should occur while a child is receiving care, an experienced attorney is necessary to ensure that the mental health services that parents rely on did everything in their power to prevent suicide. A lawyer will hold anyone who is found to be negligent in their duties accountable.

The Law Offices of Skip Simpson has the experience and knowledge to investigate the circumstances of suicide and advise families on how to proceed during an extraordinarily difficult time. We serve clients nationwide, so if you have suffered a tragedy and are worried that your child didn’t receive the proper care, contact attorney Skip Simpson today.

Hospitals and other medical facilities have an obligation to ensure that patients are kept safe and given the best possible care. Sometimes patients get discharged too early, putting them in danger of not recovering or getting the full help that they need. This is especially true for patients who are at risk of suicide. Premature discharge often occurs due to financial reasons or uninformed medical staff.

First, it’s critical that competent medical staff conduct the proper screening to identify a suicide risk. This should be done first with screening instruments and follow-up questions by a trained clinician. A family member or significant other needs to be a part of the process. A family session should routinely be recommended. There needs to be sufficient evidence that the patient has improved—really improved. Suicide rates, usually within 7-14 days, are higher than rates of suicides that occur on the inpatient unit. Therefore, careful reassessment of suicide risk factors is mandatory prior to discharge…So what has changed so that the patient is ready for discharge?

If a suicide risk has been established, medical staff has a duty to intervene. The patient may not be ready for discharge. If the patient is safe for discharge Mental health specialists should make a patient’s family members and friends aware of the suicide risk and educate them on the warning signs of suicide and means restriction; a careful means restriction like a DEA agent would do determining where contraband may be hidden.

When should at-risk patients be discharged from the hospital?

The patient, a family member involved in the care, or significant others should receive clear and easy to follow instructions on how to access the treating physician or therapist regarding any concern. Family or significant others and the patient should be given information regarding how to access treating clinicians after office hours and any limitations on their availability. Emergency phone numbers that are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, such as psychiatric emergency services, and crisis lines should also be given. Remember the patient is being discharged into a zone of time when suicide risk is at its highest. Don’t take that time period lightly.

Before discharge, hospital staff should make sure the patient understands why staff speaking with collaterals are important. With the patient’s written permission, the patient’s family members or significant others should be alerted to the patient’s history of suicidal thinking and behaviors. No one should be put in the position of supporting a patient without knowing how critical things have been for the patient. This “heads-up” should also be given to subsequent care providers. Make a serious effort to assure that the clinicians with responsibility for treating the patient following discharge receive a copy of the patient’s discharge summary.

Learn more about your legal options. Talk to attorney Skip Simpson today.

Suicide deaths have gradually increased in the United States each year within the last decade. The problem has grown exponentially worse with the COVID-19 pandemic. Awareness of suicide ideation is critical in hospitals and communities. Medical professionals who fail to act when necessary should be held accountable. The Law Offices of Skip Simpson is committed to helping families get the answers and justice they deserve. We are also committed to taking action against negligent medical facilities and preventing further suicide deaths from occurring.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one from suicide can be a confusing time for anyone. Attorney Skip Simpson understands the challenges facing families. A nationally-recognized expert in inpatient suicide law and other suicide-related legal matters, attorney Simpson has worked with many families nationwide after the death of a loved one by suicide. Attorney Simpson can explain the legal options available to your family. Demand legal action today. Contact our law firm and schedule an appointment with an experienced and compassionate attorney.