Trigger Warning: Suicide
Suicide is a difficult topic to discuss, but it is one we cannot afford to ignore.
Suicide is defined as “the act or an instance of ending one’s own life voluntarily and intentionally.”
For many people, even reading that definition can feel uncomfortable. Writing this triggered discomfort for me, and I’m a therapist! When we learn that someone has died by suicide, we are often left with painful questions: Why did this happen? Was there something I could have done?
The truth is that suicide is rarely about wanting to die. More often, it is about wanting to end unfathomable emotional pain. Those dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction or other mental health conditions may begin to feel hopeless and convinced there is no other way out. In that instance, suicide can seem like the only solution.
Suicide remains a major public health concern across the world. In the United States, access to mental health care continues to be a barrier. According to Mental Health America, 25% of adults with mental illness in the U.S. who needed treatment could not access it in 2024.
Without proper treatment and support, mental health conditions can worsen and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
In Florida alone, the need for mental health support is huge. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 3,563,000 adults in Florida struggle with a mental health condition. In 2022, 3,446 lives were lost to suicide in the state, and approximately 836,000 Florida adults experience thoughts of suicide each year. On a global scale, the World Health Organization reported that in 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death among 15-to-29-year-olds worldwide.
The numbers are scary, but there are things we can do to attempt to prevent suicide.
How can we prevent suicide?
One of the most important things you can do today is identify the warning signs. People considering suicide may talk about feeling hopeless, depressed, or being a burden. They may withdraw from family and friends. They may just seem “off.”
Alternatively, they might find a new burst of energy after a long period of low mood and begin giving away their possessions. They might increase their use of alcohol or drugs.
If you notice any of these signs, open a conversation. Say something like: “I’ve noticed you’re not your usual self, what’s up?” This can be uncomfortable but shows you’re paying attention and you care for the person.
Another extremely important action you can take is simply asking the person directly “Are you thinking about suicide?” or “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” Understandably, these are questions many people are afraid to ask. We worry about saying the wrong thing. We wonder if we are overreacting or invading someone’s privacy. We may fear upsetting the person further or making them angry.
But asking someone about suicide is usually helpful. Research shows that asking directly can provide relief. It provides opportunity for conversation and lets the person know they are not alone.
Research has shown that asking about suicide can lead to reductions in suicidal thoughts and a lower likelihood of engaging in suicidal behavior (Blades, et al 2018.)
Is there a risk that they might get defensive initially? Yes. Don’t let this stop you asking, as they might later be glad you opened the door to the discussion.
What do you do next? If someone says yes, stay calm. Listen to them. Try not to panic.
Say something like, “Thank you for telling me,” or “I’m glad you told me. I’m here for you.” Let them know their feelings are valid and that you’re listening to them. Encourage them to seek professional help immediately. This might include calling a crisis hotline, a therapist or a doctor.
If you or your friend/family is in immediate danger, call 911. Calling or texting 988 connects you to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a free hotline answered by trained crisis counselors. Other suicide prevention resources are listed below.
Finally, follow up. Check in the next day, the next week, the next month. A simple text or phone call can communicate “I’m still here for you.” If your friend or family member is close by, ask if you can pop over with some food or watch a movie.
Suggest a weekly meet-up with the person: attend the same yoga class or do your grocery shopping together. These are opportunities to talk about what’s going on without the pressure of it being only about mental health.
Lastly, get support for yourself. Talk to your own therapist or doctor. Do something that brings you joy.
Individually, identifying the warning signs of suicide, asking about it directly and referring people to supportive services are ways to prevent suicide now. Suicide prevention additionally requires community-based strategies that address systemic problems like barriers to mental and physical health care, economic instability, systemic racism, homophobia and domestic violence issues (among others.)
At an individual level, we can only do so much.
Suicide prevention starts with the willingness to listen, help and have compassion for those around us. It takes courage to not only notice the signs, but to ask about them. Sitting with someone in their darkest moments is difficult but can make all the difference.
Suicide Prevention and Crisis Resources
1. 24-Hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support
2. Florida 211Network: Call 211 for local resources including crisis resources
3. NAMI Florida: Call 850-671-4445 or namiflorida.org for support an information (not a 24/7 crisis line)
4. NAMI Nationwide Helpline: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) from 10am-10pm Monday- Friday for support or Text NAMI to 62640 or send a message to helpline@nami.org.
References
Caroline A. Blades, Werner G.K. Stritzke, Andrew C. Page, Julia D. Brown, The benefits and risks of asking research participants about suicide: A meta-analysis of the impact of exposure to suicide-related content, Clinical Psychology Review, Volume 64, 2018, Pages 1-12, ISSN 0272-7358, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2018.07.001.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735818301351)
The State of Mental Health in America, 2025, chrome extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/State-of-Mental-Health-2025.pdf
The World Health Organization, 2026, https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide#tab=tab_2
National Institute of Mental Health, 2026, https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Florida-GRPA-Data-Sheet-8.5-x-11-wide.pdf
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