Notes on Suicide

Product Information

Suicidal feelings can be confusing, frightening and complicated. They can range from having general thoughts about not wanting to be here to make a plan about how and when you could end your life. You might feel less like you want to die and more that you want the pain to stop. The ADAA blogs are forums for individuals to share their opinions, experiences and thoughts related to mental illness. ADAA wants to ensure the integrity of this service and therefore, use of this service is limited to participants who agree to adhere to the following guidelines:

Avoid hyperbolic language such as “suicide epidemic.” Use specific language such as “rise in the suicide rate.”

Ashley J. Smith

Warning signs aren't always obvious, and they may vary from person to person. Some people make their intentions clear, while others keep suicidal thoughts and feelings secret. When to see a doctor You can’t see what a person is feeling on the inside, so it isn’t always easy to identify when someone is having suicidal thoughts. However, some outward warning signs that a person may be contemplating suicide include: Female 3: But you know your kid better than anybody else and if you think he's acting different than usual, Veterans Crisis Line. U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/. Accessed Feb. 24, 2018.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. As a clinical psychologist, I probably think about suicide more often and in different ways than most. I’ve read the research. I’ve been trained to ask the hard questions. I am all too familiar with the frustrating gaps in our knowledge base: what causes it, who is at risk, how do we prevent it? I understand the stigma and misconceptions surrounding it, and I know, firsthand, the collateral damage that stems from it. Kirkwood, A. (n.d.). Tips for talking to students about suicide [PDF]. Oregon Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign. Warning signs, risk factors and protective factors. The National Council for Suicide Prevention. https://www.thencsp.org/suicide-prevention. Accessed April 14, 2023. Ask the person if there is something they need or something you can do to help. This allows them to ask for something—a ride to the emergency room or companionship, for example—if they need it. Be prepared for them to say no or that they don’t know, but don’t end the conversation there.In addition to direct clinical work, Dr. Ashley is actively involved in other scholarly activities. She has been an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has provided supervision, trainings, and consultation for students and other professionals. She has several publications, including a blog, and maintains active involvement in professional organizations like the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. She regularly presents keynotes, workshops, and trainings to audiences of all sizes and has been involved in planning and producing local and national conferences. Schreiber J, et al. Suicidal ideation and behavior in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 14, 2023. Raising community awareness and breaking down the taboo is important for countries to make progress in preventing suicide. Data quality This can help them determine possible explanations for symptoms and which tests or other professionals might be needed to make a diagnosis. They will likely make assessments of the person’s: Reidenberg says media outlets tend to rely on stereotypes and clichés when reporting on suicide, but he cautions that suicide is never because of a breakup or a bad grade in school. Multiple factors figure into the decision for someone to take their own life. Reports that gloss over this nuance make it seem like a single bad event is enough to lead to suicide.