Suicide Prevention in Alabama

The following behaviors should never be dismissed as “just a phase.” If you notice these signs in someone you care about, reach out and encourage them to seek help.

• Avoiding friends, family, and social activities
• Giving away valuable or sentimental belongings for no clear reason
• Neglecting personal hygiene
• Increased alcohol and substance use
• Extreme risk-taking, such as reckless driving and walking into traffic
• Neglecting responsibilities at work or school

• Talking about feeling hopeless or being a burden
• Expressing thoughts of wanting to disappear or die
• Unexpectedly saying goodbye to loved ones
• Sudden calmness after extreme distress could mean they have a suicide plan
• Feeling like a failure or unworthy of help
• Talking about funeral plans

The following traumatic or stressful life situations can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions, especially if the person lacks support.

• Death of a loved one
• Divorce, breakup, or loss of a significant relationship
• Job loss
• Surviving a natural disaster, accident, or near-death experience
• Military combat exposure or PTSD
• Homelessness
• Overwhelming debt
• Lawsuits
• Terminal illnesses and chronic pain

The following biological, environmental, and social factors may not increase the risk of suicide on their own, but they can contribute to emotional distress and increase the risk of self-harm.

• Mental Health Disorders: According to a past Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 46 percent of those who commit suicide have a known mental disorder. Conditions such as depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia can cause feelings of hopelessness and distress, making suicide feel like the only escape from pain.
• Substance Abuse and Addiction: Drug use and dependence can impair judgment, causing individuals to act on suicidal thoughts in moments of distress.
• History of Trauma or Abuse: Trauma from childhood abuse, domestic violence, toxic romantic relationships, and bullying can cause feelings of loneliness and isolation, both of which are risk factors for suicide.
• Lack of Social Support or Isolation: Friends, family, and other social support systems help people cope with stress and life’s challenges. Without these close relationships, people may feel misunderstood, invisible, or unworthy, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts.
• Access to Lethal Means: People are more likely to act on suicidal thoughts if firearms, medications, and other lethal means are readily available during moments of distress.

• Strong Support Systems: Confiding in someone during a crisis offers emotional relief and alternative perspectives on difficult situations. Trusted friends, family, and community members also provide a sense of belonging and purpose, reducing feelings of isolation.
• Access to Mental Health Care: Regular check-ins with mental health professionals ensure timely intervention to stressors before they escalate. Additionally, crisis hotlines provide immediate support during moments of extreme distress.
• Healthy Coping Strategies & Problem-Solving Skills: Effective coping strategies allow you to process your emotions more constructively without turning to self-harm, substance abuse, or other destructive behaviors. For example, you can manage stress by journaling, exercising, or meditating. You can also improve your problem-solving skills by creating realistic expectations, breaking down large projects into manageable steps, and seeking help when needed.
• Sense of Purpose & Belonging: Your career, education, and hobbies provide a sense of meaning and something to look forward to, even in times of distress. If you’re struggling to belong, try going back to things you once enjoyed. For example, you can join a book club, attend a social event, or learn a new skill.

Bullying and Social Pressures: Cyberbullying, social exclusion, and the pressure to fit in can trap teens and young adults in a cycle of loneliness. However, it’s not just about temporary pain; these experiences can change how young people view themselves, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts.

Academic Stress and Future Uncertainty: The pressure to do well in school, maintain good grades, and get into college can be overwhelming. Adding to the stress is peer pressure, the looming fear of employment, the overwhelming decision of college majors and career paths, and financial burdens such as student loans.

Increased Exposure to Mental Health Struggles on Social Media: Constant exposure to idealized lifestyles and self-harm or suicide-related content on social media can worsen anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Schools can encourage open discussions about suicide through mental health education, counseling, and peer support programs. Likewise, parents can create a safe space for open communication with their children while looking out for warning signs such as social withdrawal and mood swings.

Career and Financial Strain: In an era of rapid technological change and economic uncertainty, middle-aged workers often face layoffs, workplace burnout, and job loss while bearing the weight of financial obligations such as mortgages, children’s education, and retirement savings.

Relationship Issues: Divorce, separation, or loneliness can be devastating after years of partnership.

Increased Responsibilities: Middle-aged adults have to juggle elderly caregiving, parenting teens, and career demands, often at the expense of their own well-being.

According to a past report by the Office for National Statistics of England and Wales, Generation X had the highest death rates from drug poisoning and suicide.

Connecting with friends, family, and social groups reduces social isolation and provides emotional support in times of distress. Employee assistance programs, flexible schedules, and mental health days also promote well-being at the workplace. Additionally, regular exercise, healthy sleep habits, and proper nutrition play a crucial role in improving mood and reducing stress.

Chronic Illness and Pain: The uncertainty surrounding your health, frequent doctor visits, and worsening symptoms can cause stress and anxiety. The fear of being a burden, pain, and fatigue may also prevent older adults from connecting with family and friends.

Social Isolation: For many people, coworkers are close friends, and retirement can create a gap in social interaction. The routine of going to work, sharing casual conversations, and participating in team activities also offers a sense of purpose and belonging. The loneliness is even worse when you have to deal with the death of a spouse.

Depression Is Often Overlooked: Symptoms of depression, such as persistent sadness, fatigue, and social withdrawal are often dismissed as normal aging, which can cause some seniors to suffer in silence.

Psychotherapy can help older adults cope with the emotional burden of chronic illness and losing a spouse. Support groups also provide opportunities to connect with others who understand their experiences, reducing isolation and increasing emotional support. Some neighborhoods have “buddy” programs where seniors check in with each other regularly and participate in shared activities like potlucks, book clubs, or exercise classes.

Instead of avoiding the topic of mental health, address it directly but with care. For instance, instead of vague questions like “Are you okay?” you can ask “I’ve noticed you’ve been feeling down lately, and I care about you. Do you want to talk about it?”

Asking someone, “Are you thinking about suicide?” does not push them toward self-harm. Rather, it reduces stigma and creates a safe space for honesty.

If their answer is “yes,” reassure them they’re not alone and take proactive steps to connect them with professional support.

Set aside your own opinions, reactions, and assumptions to understand the other person’s experience. Rather than interrupting, allow them to open up at their own pace, maintaining eye contact, nodding, and avoiding distractions like checking your phone.

As tempting as it is, resist the urge to offer unsolicited advice. Instead, acknowledge their feelings even if you don’t fully understand them.

For example, a statement like “It’ll get better” may feel invalidating. You could say, “I can only imagine how hard this must be.”

Validation doesn’t mean you agree with everything they say; it simply means you view their experience as real and worthy of attention.