In This Story
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the national suicide and crisis life line at 988.
As a leading cause of death in the United States, suicide remains a significant public health concern. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals ages 10-34 and the fourth leading cause of death for individuals ages 35-44. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2024, nearly 49,000 individuals died by suicide. That equates to 1 death every 11 minutes. Suicide can impact all of us regardless of race/ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, or education level. 14.3 million people have seriously thought about suicide, 4.6 million have made a plan for suicide, and 2.2 million have attempted suicide. These numbers continue to increase. Rates of suicide are highest among American Indian/Alaska Native, non-Hispanic males and females, followed by White males and females.
As September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness month, associate professor in the College’s Department of Social Work Daphne King shares her expertise to continue bringing awareness to suicide prevention and the importance of seeking help if you or someone you know are experiencing mental health challenges or mental illness.
Suicide is preventable as this act is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Individuals contemplating suicide don’t see or consider any other solution. It is important to know the warning signs, risk and protective factors, and what to do if you or someone you know may be experiencing signs of suicide or mental health challenges.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the national suicide and crisis lifeline at 988. SAMHSA.GOV provides resources for suicide prevention and awareness month and recognizing the warning signs.
Signs of Suicide
-
Talking of not being here anymore or death that includes a plan for suicide (killing oneself)
-
Giving away favorite items or possessions
-
Isolating or withdrawing from friends and family
-
Talking about being a burden to others
-
Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live
-
Acting anxious or agitated
Risk Factors
-
Previous suicide attempt
-
Undiagnosed/untreated mental illness
-
Recent or serious loss
Protective Factors
-
Seeking services from a therapist or counselor
-
Having a strong connection with family, friends, and community support
-
Support through ongoing relationships with medical and mental health providers
Suicide is preventable. Seeking help for mental illness, knowing your family history of mental illness, and engaging in self-care activities are a few things that can be engaged in to prevent suicide. Knowing the signs and risk factors, and when to intervene can save your life or that of someone you know.
A few things you can do if you or someone you know are displaying suicidal ideation are:
-
Use the 988-text line for 24 hours crisis intervention
-
Seek the services of a licensed mental health professional
-
ACT: Acknowledge there is a problem, Care enough to ask for help and to let your family/friend know that you are there for them, Tell someone that can help.
During Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, take some time to know and understand the warning signs of suicide and how to help yourself or someone you know.
Dr. Daphne King, EdD, MSW, LCSW is an associate professor and Associate Divisional Director of Graduate Programs in the Social Work Department of George Mason University’s College of Public Health. King’s research interests are self-esteem issues in teens and adolescents, mental health concerns and treatment modalities for women of color, specifically African American women, and the impact engagement in Christianity or spiritual practices have on self-esteem. King is an expert in treating teens and adolescents with self-esteem issues and depression and has facilitated numerous clinical and psychoeducational groups on self-esteem issues for teens.
Media Inquiries: contact Mary Cunningham at mcunni7@gmu.edu
About George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.
About College of Public Health at George Mason University
The College of Public Health at George Mason University is the first College of Public Health in Virginia combining public health transdisciplinary research, education, and practice in the Commonwealth as a national exemplar. The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in our nationally recognized programs, including six undergraduate degrees, eight master’s degrees, five doctoral degrees, and six professional certificate programs. The College is comprised of the School of Nursing and the Departments of Global and Community Health, Health Administration and Policy, Nutrition and Food Studies, and Social Work. Learn more at cph.gmu.edu.
Thumbnail photo by WMSTUDIO from Adobe Stock.