by Desert Consulting | Jun 3, 2024 | Mental Health Awareness

Understanding Suicide: Rising Rates, Warning Signs, and How We Can Help

Suicide is a deeply personal and profoundly painful issue that touches individuals, families, and entire communities. While it may feel difficult to talk about, opening up these conversations is one of the most important steps toward healing—and prevention.

At Desert Consulting, we believe that with awareness, compassion, and action, we can work together to reduce the rising rates of suicide in our communities.

What Is Suicide?

Suicide is the intentional act of ending one’s life, often driven by a complex mix of emotional, psychological, and situational challenges. While often linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or substance use, suicide doesn’t always follow a predictable path—and not everyone facing these challenges will consider or attempt suicide.

Understanding the why behind suicide begins with recognizing that it’s rarely caused by one factor alone. Instead, it's the result of a buildup of pain, isolation, or perceived hopelessness—often hidden beneath the surface.

Suicide Statistics and Current Trends

Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death globally. In the United States, it is the 10th leading cause of death, claiming over 47,000 lives each year. These numbers may be even higher due to underreporting or misclassification.

Certain groups are disproportionately affected:

• Middle-aged and older adults face elevated suicide risks.
• Men are more likely to die by suicide, while women have higher rates of attempted suicide.
• LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and those facing chronic discrimination or poverty may also experience higher levels of risk.

These statistics are sobering—but they’re also a call to action. With the right resources and interventions, suicide is preventable.

Risk Factors for Suicide

Risk factors can include:

• Untreated mental health disorders (especially depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD)
• Trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• Chronic illness or pain
• Social isolation or loneliness
• Financial hardship, unemployment, or housing insecurity
• Lack of access to mental health services
• History of suicide in the family or community
• Substance misuse

It’s also important to consider intersectionality. When individuals face multiple layers of marginalization—such as being LGBTQ+ and low-income—they may experience increased emotional burdens that compound their risk.

Common Warning Signs of Suicide

Knowing the warning signs can save a life. Be alert for:

• Talking about death or suicide
• Expressing hopelessness or being a burden
• Withdrawing from loved ones or daily activities
• Giving away possessions or making final arrangements
• Sudden calmness after a depressive period
• Increased substance use or reckless behavior
• Major mood swings, agitation, or irritability

If you notice these behaviors in someone you care about—reach out. Trust your instincts. A conversation can be life-saving.

How Suicide Affects Families and Communities

The impact of suicide is far-reaching. Families often grapple with deep grief, confusion, and guilt. Communities may experience a collective sense of loss, and fear of judgment or stigma can prevent healing.

By addressing suicide openly and with compassion, we can help reduce shame and provide the emotional support survivors need.

Suicide prevention doesn’t just save lives—it strengthens families, rebuilds trust, and empowers communities to prioritize mental health.

What You Can Do to Help

We all play a role in suicide prevention. Here’s how you can help:

• Start the conversation. Ask someone how they’re really doing—and listen without judgment.
• Remove stigma by speaking openly about mental health.
• Encourage professional support. Therapy, medication, and support groups can be life-changing.
• Educate yourself on warning signs and resources.
• Be present. Sometimes, just knowing someone cares can make all the difference.

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Suicide is a preventable tragedy. By understanding its root causes, recognizing the warning signs, and fostering supportive environments, we can help reduce its devastating impact.

Let’s commit to building a culture of openness, empathy, and action—where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health.

If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. Contact Desert Consulting in St. George or reach out to a suicide prevention hotline. There is help. There is hope.

If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

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