To mark Suicide Prevention Month, Matthew Runyan, MD, DFAPA, section chief, PPG – Psychiatry Hospital Section, Medical Director Inpatient Services, Parkview Behavioral Health Institute, discusses the factors contributing to suicide risk, resources and why it’s so important to seek help.
You are not alone. There are a lot of people who struggle for a lot of different reasons and it's okay not to be okay for this minute, this hour, this day, this week, this month, this year, or however long it's been. To me, what's not okay is giving up.
Contributing factors
There has been an increase in both reporting about suicide as well as reports about suicidal thoughts, especially with younger women. There are some interesting theories as to why there is that increase.
Some believe there is a link to the COVID pandemic, and a lack of communication during that period. Not having the human connections of friends, structure, schedule etc.
Another one that's frequently talked about is social media. It used to be that bullying happened at school, on the playground, on the bus, and you could escape it at home. Now you pull out your phone and there are people making fake profiles to attack you or posting videos online of what you may have said or done or lying about you, and you can't hide from it.
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Have the conversation
Every study basically ever done that's been validated has shown discussing suicide before somebody was depressed, while they're depressed or while they were in a suicidal state, significantly decreased the likelihood that they would do something harmful to themselves.
You know, if you're by yourself and you're worried about something, it’s only going to get worse. Having a person, whether it's a work friend, a spouse, or a family member, depending on the problem, that you can talk to is highly beneficial. Find somebody who hears you, listens and cares.
Resources
I often get asked: When should I seek help? This comes up with patients, but also parents who are worried about their children. My response is when they change function. Have they stopped sleeping? Stopped taking care of themselves? Stopped showing up to work?
We all have good days and bad days, but when enough of those bad days are strung together, that's the big red flag that it’s time to ask for or offer help.
When people are ready for help, we have the Parkview Behavioral Health Institute HelpLine, available 24/7. These specialists can listen, give support and oftentimes people feel better. The HelpLine can give referrals for therapy or an assessment. We have intensive outpatient programs that can be incredibly helpful as well. With these services, patients are among their peers and people struggling with the same issues.
The last thing I’ll say is that, often people think their family would be better without them. They won't be. They think their problems are never going to go away. They will. Everything is manageable. Get the support you need to get through it.
The Parkview Behavioral Health HelpLine is available 24/7 by calling 260-471-9440 or toll free at 800-284-8439.
