SUICIDE PREVENTION & AWARENESS
Suicide, like so many other public health issues, touches far too many lives in our community. We are committed to helping our customers, clients, colleagues and the wider community to normalize the conversation about suicide and deliver hope and help where it’s needed most.
It’s important to talk about suicide
Why does a person choose to take their own life? Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer. What we do know is this. A majority of people who die by suicide have a behavioral health issue or a substance use problem.
Every 11 minutes, someone in the United States dies by suicide. Together, we can prevent suicide. And that starts with better awareness and understanding.
Every 11 minutes, someone in the United States dies by suicide.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021
Know the facts
Suicide doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care about your age, gender, race, economic status, or sexual orientation. It can affect anyone.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022
Quiz: Suicide Awareness
Choose if the following statement is true or false:
Talking openly about suicide is dangerous. It often plants the idea in a person’s head.
Suicide usually occurs out of the blue – without any warning.
Self-poisoning is the most common method of suicide.
Suicide runs in families. It’s a hereditary condition that can’t be prevented.
If a suicidal person feels better that means that the problem has passed.
Females die by suicide more frequently than males.
Young men are at the highest risk of killing themselves.
Once someone is suicidal, he or she will always remain suicidal.
Thanks for taking a few moments to learn about the myths and realities of suicide. Your awareness can help save a life. And don’t forget, you can always turn to a Mindful Advocate for guidance and support in a moment of crisis.
FALSE: Discussing suicide openly is one of the most helpful things you can do. It shows you are taking the person seriously and that you care.
FALSE: 80% of people who die by suicide give some warning, but those warnings are often hard to recognize until it’s too late. That’s why it’s so important to know the warning signs and, if you are concerned about someone, ask directly if they are thinking of suicide.
FALSE: Firearms are the most commonly used method, accounting for more than 50% of all suicides.
FALSE: Suicide is not hereditary. It’s important to note, though, that survivors of suicide loss are at greater risk of dying by suicide themselves.
FALSE: If someone who has been depressed or suicidal suddenly seems happier, don’t assume that the danger has passed. Making a decision to end one’s life often improves the person’s mental attitude and increases his/her energy to carry out the suicide plan.
FALSE: Four times as many males die by suicide while four times as many females attempt suicide.
FALSE: Males between the ages of 18 and 24 are in the group with the highest growth rate of suicide, but older men are actually at the highest risk of killing themselves.
FALSE: Heightened suicide risk is often short-term and situation-specific. While suicidal thoughts may return, they aren’t permanent and a person with previous suicidal thoughts can go on to live a long life.
Source: CDC.gov
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Who to call for help
A Mindful Advocate
It all starts here. 833-302-MIND (6463) Blue KC members can call a Mindful Advocate 24/7 for immediate care in a time of crisis. These licensed behavioral health clinicians offer support in other ways, too. They’re here to listen, help you navigate your health benefits, and connect you to the appropriate care. To learn more about Mindful by Blue KC visit MindfulBlueKC.com.
Important Crisis Phone Numbers
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or Text 988 The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, 24/7 confidential support for people in distress.
All Emergency Situations
911 If you or someone you know is in an emergency, always call 911. If someone is in imminent danger, never leave them alone.
Resources
OPIOID OVERDOSE: A DEATH OF DESPAIR
Becky Gernon, MD and Medical Director at Blue KC discusses the opioid use disorder and its relation to suicide. 30% of opioid overdoses are…
SOCIAL ISOLATION AND SUICIDE RISK
By now, many people have accepted social distancing and isolation as part of daily life. But this still may impact your behavioral health. Many of…
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
Thinking about suicide can be frightening. But talking about it with friends and family can help avoid devastating outcomes.
MYTHS ABOUT SUICIDE
Tied to the many stigmas and stereotypes people often associate with suicide–most prevalent among them being the beliefs…
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE
Something to look out for when you are concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of…
KNOW THE RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE
Risk factors are not warning signs. Risk factors are often confused with warning signs of suicide and suicide prevention materials frequently mix…
Hear from Experts
Opioid Overdose: A Death of DespairBecky Gernon, MD, Medical Director, Blue KC
Shutout the Stigma – Suicide and mental health awareness with Royals broadcaster Ryan Lefebvre and former Royals catcher John BuckJohn Buck discusses how he dealt with suicide in his family, mental health issues in his own life, and what he’s learned.
CALL A MINDFUL ADVOCATE NOW
A Mindful Advocate is available 24/7 to connect you to immediate care in times of crisis.
