Suicide among all segments of society is an overwhelming concern as our society works to heal from several years of collective trauma. The medical community increasingly understands the importance access to healthcare plays in preventing suicide. We also have a greater understanding of primary care providers’ essential role in supporting patients with mental health challenges.
According to the CDC, around 45,000 people died by suicide in 2020. CDC statistics also indicate that in 2021, an estimated 12.3 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.7 million attempted suicide. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34 in 2021. Suicide rates increased by 36 percent between 2000 and 2021. Researchers also see increases in nonsuicidal self-harm, including cutting and burning, especially among young people.
If you experience thoughts of self-harm, resources are available, including the new 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Your primary care provider is an excellent resource as a trusted first contact as you seek help and healing.
What Factors Increase The Risk of Suicide?
According to the CDC, several factors increase the risk of suicide. They include:
- Past abuse, including violence, child abuse, sexual violence and bullying
- Mental health diagnoses, including depression
- Family history of suicide
- Past suicide attempts
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Some groups are also at higher risk, including veterans, people in rural areas and members of the LGBT community.
How Can We Reduce The Risk of Suicide?
Researchers have identified several ways communities and individuals can reduce the risk of suicide. They include:
- Connecting with family and community.
- Access to high-quality healthcare, including primary care services.
- Improving social infrastructure to reduce stress, including improving housing accessibility and financial security.
- Reducing access to “lethal methods” for people at risk of suicide, including firearms.
- Addressing substance abuse.
- Improving access to mental health resources and helping patients manage depression and other diagnoses.
- Providing rapid and remote access to help.
What Should I Do If I Have Thoughts of Self-Harm?
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched in 2022. It provides phone or text connection with a trained crisis counselor 24/7/365. Individuals in crisis can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
If you are working with a mental health provider, reach out if you are considering suicide or self-harm.
If you don’t have access to mental health services, contact your primary care provider. When you’re overwhelmed or in crisis, seeking mental health resources can seem impossible. Seeking support from a trusted primary care provider can be a valuable first step in getting help. More and more, the medical community is empowering primary care providers to screen for patients at risk for suicide or self-harm. PCPs can help patients access mental health resources and craft suicide safety plans for at-risk patients. At Comprehensive Primary Care, mental health screenings have long been integral to our holistic patient-centered approach to care. Our offices provide a robust mental health component, including screening and diagnostics, counseling and referrals, and medication management. The research is clear: having a trusted primary care provider leads to better mental health outcomes. If you are in crisis, our team is here for you. Reach out to take the first steps to healing.