suicide prevention NJ

Suicide Prevention: Warning Signs

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment
Suicide Prevention: Warning Signs

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

COVID-19 and Suicide

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

    By: Isabelle Siegel

    The COVID-19 epidemic quickly became an international crisis, impacting each and every one of us to varying degrees. Even for those of us who do not personally know someone affected with COVID-19, the mental health toll that the virus is taking is pervasive. In fact, calls to one national mental health hotline have increased by 1000% in April alone. 

    One unfortunate secondary consequence of COVID-19 and its effects on public mental health is increased suicide risk: It is predicted that the suicide rate will drastically increase in the coming months. This is likely the result of the anxiety surrounding COVID-19, coupled with resulting economic stress and social distancing.

    National Anxiety

    The threat of COVID-19 serves as an immense stressor, having the potential to increase the rates of onset of mental health conditions and/or to exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions. According to the Washington Post, nearly half of Americans cited COVID-19 as being harmful to their mental health.

    Economic Stress

    COVID-19 has brought about an unprecedented economic crisis, with unemployment rates skyrocketing. Previous research has documented that suicide rates tend to increase by 1.6% for each percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. This means that with current unemployment rates estimated at around 15%, we may see a 24% increase in suicide rates.

    Social Distancing

    Increased suicide rates may also be an unintended consequence of social distancing measures. Ironically, what is keeping us physically safe and healthy may be putting our mental health at risk. Humans require connection to survive, especially in times of duress. In times of forced isolation, it is only natural that the risk of suicide will increase. Social distancing measures are also limiting access to community and religious support systems, as well as to mental health care—all of which have been demonstrated to lower suicide risk. 

    How can suicide risk be addressed in the era of COVID-19?

    Despite the stress associated with the COVID-19 crisis, measures can still be taken to lower suicide risk through awareness of risk factors, increased access to teletherapy, and maintaining social connections (via Zoom, FaceTime, etc.).

    If you or a loved one appears to be at risk for anxiety, depression, or suicide, the licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy can assist you. 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, visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

    Sources: 

    https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2764584

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/05/04/mental-health-coronavirus/

    https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/08/april-unemployment-rate-coronavirus-244280

    Image Source: https://baylorlariat.com/2019/09/17/conversations-can-be-first-step-toward-suicide-prevention/