By Dr. Stacey Gagliano

Part 2: Adults

Understanding who is at risk and recognizing the warning signs can be crucial in preventing tragedy and providing timely help. In the following blog, you will find risk factors and ways to help that are specific to adults. For more information on this topic, please see the previous blog on Suicide Prevention in Youth.

Who is at Risk? – Adults:

• Comorbid Diagnoses: People with multiple mental health conditions are at higher risk.
• History of Self-Harm or Previous Attempts: Past behaviors are strong indicators of future risk.
• Recent Losses: Significant life changes, such as losing a job, facing financial difficulties, or experiencing the death of a loved one, can increase vulnerability.
• Chronic Problems: Ongoing issues with the legal system, unemployment, or troubled relationships can exacerbate mental distress.
• Physical Disorders: Conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s Disease, or spinal cord injuries, can heighten risk.
• Other Medical Diagnoses and Chronic Pain: Chronic illnesses like cancer, autoimmune diseases, or HIV/AIDS also play a role.
• Substance Use: Abuse of alcohol or drugs significantly raises the risk of suicidal thoughts.

What Can I Do to Help?

Recognizing these signs early and offering support can make a significant difference. See the previous blog on Suicide Prevention in Youth for a full list of warning signs.

If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, seek professional help immediately. Suicide prevention is a community effort, and being informed is the first step towards making a difference. If someone you know is at risk:

• Be sure to check in with them regularly.
• Be a supportive listener and do not jump to problem solving.
• Focus on validating their feelings and reminding them that you are there for them.
• Provide them with resources (can be found below).
• In the event of an emergency, of course, dial 911. You may also wish to contact mobile crisis intervention services in your area.

Hotlines

• Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  Call or text 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741-741
• National de Prevencion del Suicidio:  1-888-628-9454
• National Domestic Abuse Hotline:  1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564
• Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860

Check our social media for more resources and useful information.

Sources

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2024, May 11). Suicide statistics. 

https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ((2024, April 25). Suicide facts. 

https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html

National Institute of Mental Health. (2024, February). Suicide statistics. 

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide

National Vital Statistics System. (2024). Mortality 2018-2022 on CDC WONDER Online 

Database. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd-icd10-expanded.html