THE PROBLEM
People start to consider suicide as an option when they feel like there is no other way forward.
UNSEEN
People in pain don’t reach out for help.
UNEQUIPPED
If they do, their community doesn’t know how to help.
UNSUPPORTED
If they did, there’s a lack of local resourcing to provide help.
HOW IT HAPPENS
Suicide ideation exists on a spectrum and isn’t the same for everyone.
SADNESS AND DEPRESSION
What begins as a singular loss starts to turn into “forever”. A breakup feels like a lifetime of loneliness, a diagnosis becomes a definitive declaration. You begin looking into the future and it feels dark.
THOUGHTS AND PLANNING
When a tunnel is dark for too long, the brain needs to find a light. If no other options seem to help, the thought of suicide becomes the only thing that will help. Eventually thoughts of suicide can turn into daydreaming and planning.
PREPARING AND ACTION
Like tolerance with any drug, thinking and planning are no longer enough to bring relief, and the person in pain will seek out a way to follow through on their suicidal thoughts. This is when attempts are most likely.
Without help or support, thoughts of suicide become too much for someone to handle on their own.
SUICIDE BY THE NUMBERS
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death nationally.
24,000 college students attempt suicide a year.
In 2023, over 49,000 Americans died by suicide.
12.8 million adults seriously think about suicide with 1.5 million attempts annually.
Texas has only 1 mental health worker for every 760 residents, the second lowest in the nation.
246 of 254 Texas counties are Mental Health Professional Shortage areas.
KNOW THE SIGNS
Behavioral Signs
These signs are often new, or a change in normal behavior.
Withdrawing or isolating from others
Engaging in risky or reckless behavior
Changes in daily habits or routines
Neglecting hygiene or basic care
Increased substance use or addiction
Loss of interest in things they once enjoyed
Cooccurring issues and struggles
Suicidal ideation is often hidden, but there are signs.
Thoughts & Language
Verbalized phrases of despair or hopelessness should be taken seriously and not written off as being “dramatic”.
“Everyone would be better off without me”
“I’m a burden”
“I don’t know how to move past this”
“Things will never change”
Expressions of regret or shame
Talking about feeling trapped or in pain
All or nothing, black and white thinking
Life Circumstances
Suicide is rarely caused by “one thing” but adverse life circumstances can be a tipping point into suicidal thinking.
Divorce or relationship loss
Midlife transitions or identity crises
Chronic pain or illness
Grief or major loss
Financial stress or job loss
History of trauma
Lack of community/support
