Suicide is a subject that is not talked about as much as it needs to be. From my perspective, the conversation is only had once someone makes an attempt or dies as a result of suicide. That being said, there are advocates who work hard daily to spread awareness. Recently two well-known celebrities, Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, reportedly died as a result of suicide. Their deaths sparked a conversation of the importance of suicide awareness. Many posts about checking on your friends and family, circulated across social media. While sharing posts like this looks good, it’s more important to actually take action. Being aware of the factors and statistics is crucial to not only spreading awareness but helping to prevent suicide.
The Mental Health section of my blog is armed with information regarding suicide prevention as well as mental health awareness and my personal battle with mental illness.
Another very informative article published by Hogan Injury, touches on the risk factors and civil liabilities of suicide. Risk factors are conditions that increase the likelihood of someone taking their life. Here are some of the risk factors included in the article:
- Mental disorders, especially mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder
- Family history of suicide
- Co-occurring mental disorder and alcohol/substance abuse
- Previous suicide attempt
- Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
- Physical illness
- Relational, social, work, or financial loss
- Easy access to lethal methods, such as guns
- Hopelessness
- Unwillingness to seek help due to stigma attached to mental health disorders
- Influence of significant people who have committed suicide – family members, peers, celebrities – via personal contact or inappropriate representations by the media
- Isolation
You can find the full article here.
Along with knowing the risk factors it’s important to be aware of the warning signs. Some of the signs that a person may be suicidal are:
- Talking about killing themselves
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Speaking of being a burden to others
- Speaking of feeling trapped
- Being in unbearable pain
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Searching for a way to end their lives
- Withdrawing from activities
- Isolation from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Saying goodbye
- Giving away possessions
- Fatigue
- Aggression or irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Loss of interest
Learn more about Hogan Injury’s firm below.
Hogan Injury is a law firm established in 2012. We specialize in personal injury and car accident cases. Our lawyers have cultivated their legal knowledge through hands-on experience that allows us to represent all of our clients masterfully. We understand that the people who come to us for legal consultation and representation are going through some of the most challenging times in their lives and our primary goal is to make their experience with the legal and insurance systems as painless as possible. Our firm’s aim is not only to represent you but to do this exceptionally well for you to be able to get the compensation that you deserve.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide know that you are not going through it alone. In the past, I’ve battled with suicidal ideation and thoughts of no one understanding consumed me. This often makes the fight worse but I’m here, as someone who has been through it, telling you that there is help. I know that it can be difficult going to a family member or friend but there are resources available.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line
741741
– Jai
ItsJaiMarie 