Suicide Prevention
We believe that community collaboration is integral to preventing suicide and raising awareness. Because of this, we work collaboratively with the Delaware Suicide Prevention Coalition.
Risk Factors
for Suicide
Psychiatric Disorders
At least 90 percent of people who died by suicide had a diagnosable and treatable psychiatric illnesses — such as major depression, bipolar depression, or some other depressive illness.
Past History of Attempted Suicide
Between 20 and 50 percent of people who died by suicide had previously attempted suicide. Those who have made suicide attempts are at a much higher risk for taking their lives.
Genetic Predisposition
Family history of suicide, suicide attempts, depression or other psychiatric illness are all contributors to suicide.
Neurotransmitters
A clear relationship has been demonstrated between low concentrations of the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleactic acid (5-HIAA) in cerebrospinal fluid and an increased incidence of attempted and completed suicide in psychiatric patients.
Impulsivity
Impulsive individuals are more apt to act on suicidal impulses.
Demographics
The following groups that experience greater suicide health disparities (i.e. excess burden of suicide) are: middle-aged adults, people of color, sexual and gender minorities, people with disabilities, veterans, tribal populations and people who live in rural areas.
Warning Signs
of Suicide
Observable Signs of
Serious Depression
Unrelenting low mood
Pessimism
Hopelessness
Desperation
Anxiety
Withdrawal
Sleep problems
Observable Signs of
Suicidal Ideation
Increased alcohol and/or other drug use
Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks
Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die
Making a plan
Giving away prized possessions
Sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm
Obtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medications
Protective Factors
for Suicide
Individual Protective Factors
Effective problem-solving, conflict resolution and coping skills
Reasons for living/life anchors (e.g. family, friends, pets)
Strong sense of cultural identity
Relationship Protective Factors
Strong, meaningful social connections to others
Support from family, partner, friends, co-workers, etc.
Societal Protective Factors
Restricted access to lethal means of suicide
Religious, cultural or moral objections to suicide
Community Protective Factors
Strong connections to community supports
Availability of effective clinical care for mental and physical health
Availability of community resources for mental health and substance use
Want to be better prepared helping an individual experiencing thoughts of suicide? Join one of our suicide prevention trainings!
Want to learn more about our suicide prevention efforts? Check out the Delaware Suicide Prevention Coalition!
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, have taken an overdose or have harmed yourself in any way, DIAL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY.
Resources
Crisis Lines
Provides support for individuals in mental health crisis (national)
National: 988
Provides support for individuals in mental health crisis (statewide)
Statewide: 800-262-9800
Provides support for individuals in mental health crisis (national)
National: Text HOME to 741741
Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s Crisis Intervention Services
Assist adults (ages 18 and older) with psychiatric or substance use crisis; aim to prevent unnecessary or inappropriate hospitalizations (statewide)
Northern Delaware: 800-652-2929
Southern Delaware: 800-345-6785
Delaware Guidance Services’ Mobile Response and Stabilization Services
Assist youth (ages 17 and younger) in mental health crisis; provide risk assessments, intervention services and case management (statewide)
Statewide: 800-969-4357
Provides support for LGBTQ+ youth in mental health crisis (national)
National: Text START to 678-678; Call 866-488-7386
Websites on Suicide
American Association of Suicidology
-> The world’s largest and nation’s oldest membership-based suicide prevention organization
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
-> A voluntary health organization that advocates for research and education around suicide
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
-> The only federally supported resource center devoted to advancing the implementation of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention
MHA’s Blog Posts on Suicide
