Spreading the word about suicide prevention

One person dies of suicide in the U.S. every 11 minutes. That’s a sobering thought—and it’s also why everyone should know the warning signs of suicide and other fundamental information regarding suicide prevention.

In 2024, more than 48,000 people in the U.S. died by suicide and is the 14th leading cause of death in Louisiana. People of certain ages are at a much higher risk. For example, among people ages 10 to 34 in Louisiana, suicide is the third leading cause of death.

This is an issue that hits close to home for nearly everyone. Chances are you know someone who died by suicide or attempted suicide. In honor of National Suicide Prevention Month, join the LCMC Health team in learning more about suicide prevention. Doing so can save lives.

Who’s at risk of suicide

When it comes to suicide, there’s no single profile of a person who’s at risk. Mental health issues and suicidal thoughts can affect people at any age from any background. That said, certain people are at a higher risk due to factors related to their health, relationships, community or, in many cases, it’s a combination. Risk factors for suicide include:

• Access to lethal means of suicide
• Adverse childhood experiences
• Bullying
• Chronic pain
• Criminal or legal problems
• Job loss
• Lack of healthcare access
• Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety
• Previous suicide attempt
• Relationship loss
• Serious, life-limiting illness
• Substance abuse
• Suicide or suicide attempt of a loved one
• Trauma
• Violence in relationships or the community

Suicide prevention begins with recognizing those who may be at risk. That requires interacting with those around you, with an eye on their health and well-being. One protective factor is feeling connected to others and having support from friends and family.

The warning signs of suicide—and what to do

Knowing the warning signs of suicide can help you prevent suicide. If you believe someone might be at risk of suicide, the National Institute of Mental Health recommends paying attention to what the person is saying, what the person is feeling, and how the person is behaving.

Any of these signs or behaviors can be a red flag for suicide:

• Eating or sleeping more or less than previously
• Feeling guilt or shame
• Feeling increasing sadness, anxiety, or rage
• Feeling unbearable pain, both emotional and physical
• Having wild mood swings
• Researching ways to die
• Taking dangerous risks
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Talking about feeling trapped, hopeless, or having no reason to live
• Talking about wanting to die
• Increasing use of drugs or alcohol
• Withdrawing from friends
• Giving away significant possessions

If you notice any of these signs in someone you know, start by directly and calmly asking if they’re having thoughts of suicide. Remind them that they are not alone—and help is available. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline yourself or encourage the person to call to access 24/7 free and confidential support. 

If you believe someone is at risk, do what you can to protect them by showing support, providing helpful resources, and removing access to lethal means when possible.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sadness, anxiety or other signs of a mental health issue, you can also access the care you need through LCMC Health. We offer behavioral health services in several locations throughout our area. You are not alone.

The Behavioral Health services at University Medical Center provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care to the City of New Orleans. The 26 bed Behavioral Health Emergency Room is the only of its kind in the city, staffed 24/7 for patients in crisis. UMC has 60 Behavioral Health inpatient beds staffed with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, mental health technicians, and recreation therapists to ensure a patients recovery and transition to outpatient care. In the outpatient setting, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and medical assistants provide care in the General Behavioral Health Clinic, Addiction Psychiatry Clinic, and the Interventional Psychiatry Clinic where patients have access to advanced depression treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy and intranasal esketamine.

There are also services imbedded in subspecialty clinics such as the Trauma Recovery Center, the Infectious Diseases Clinic, the Bariatric clinic, the Perinatal Psychiatry Clinic, the Oncology Clinic, and the Gastrointestinal Clinic. The dedication to providing the highest quality care for all patients is inherent to the mission of the Behavioral Health Service Line. This same commitment to patient care will be evident in the opening of the new 28 bed psychiatric unit at New Orleans East Hospital, ensuring that all of New Orleans has access to services.

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