After working in behavioral/mental health with certain populations for a period of time, one was bound to encounter suicide. It was just the nature of the job when your working world was filled with people in ‘brain pain.’

The young soldier had continued to fight a significant battle with mental illness despite all the treatments. One day, we received word that she had killed herself during a fight with her spouse.

The impact of her decision ricocheted to her family, her spouse, her mental and physical healthcare providers, the soldiers in her unit, her command etc. Suicide is equivalent to throwing a rock in a body of water. You see the ripples which cannot be undone.

September is suicide awareness and prevention month

Here are some realities of suicide:
💡 You can help someone stop his/her plans for suicide by just checking in and be willing to listen
💡 Discussing suicide will not put the idea in someone’s head but it may encourage them to talk
💡 Many people who attempt suicide just want the ‘brain pain’ to stop and they believe that dying is the only solution
💡 In the US, men are more likely to die by suicide because of using more lethal methods
💡 Suicide is a universal problem and it affects all groups
💡 Obvious warning signs of suicide can include giving away important objects, saying goodbye or talking as if they are leaving, or improved mood because they are at peace with their decision

💡Subtle warming signs can include depressed mood, withdrawal, isolation, atypical behaviors for that person, making statements such as ‘people would be better off if I wasn’t here,’ preoccupation with death

It’s a very simple and human gesture to just check in consistently with the people in your life. Sometimes, a person in ‘brain pain’ wants one person to ask “how are you doing?”

If you need assistance, reach out to someone you trust or call 988 – crisis and suicide prevention line.

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