By: Shameen Joshi

Suicide is a major health crisis with it being the 12th leading cause of death overall in the United States. In 2021, it claimed the lives of over 45,900 people. Suicide is the act of harming oneself with the goal of ending one’s life. A suicide attempt is when the individual has a goal to end his/her life but fails to do so. Some warning signs to look out for when spotting someone who is suicidal is:

• Talking about wanting to die
• Feeling like they have no desire to live
• Having unbearable emotional or physical pain
• Talking about feeling like a burden to others
• Talking or thinking about death often
• Preparing a will
• Giving away personal important possessions
• Using alcohol or drugs more often
• Withdrawing from friends and family members

These warning signs must not be ignored since they are signs of extreme distress that can lead to dangerous outcomes if ignored. The action steps to take include:

• Asking the individual if they think about harming themselves
• Keeping them safe by reducing access to lethal items/places
• Being there and actively listening to their thoughts and feelings
• Helping them connect to a Suicide & Crisis Hotline number. Call 201-262-HELP (4357)
• Staying connected with the individual and following up after a crisis.

You are loved and you are making a difference by taking the necessary steps to bring awareness.

If you or someone you know is experiencing Suicidal thoughts, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com