BAEC Bulletin | May/June 2022 | 21
Suicide Prevention Is Everyone's Business
Suicide rates are highest during the spring and early summer months of April, May, and June. This may seem hard to believe, but statistics over the last many years bear this out. It is a myth that the winter months lead to more suicides. In fact, December the darkest and one of the coldest months of the year, has the lowest suicide rate. Why Do Suicide Rates Rise in the Spring? For Adults, theories include: • People who’ve struggled with depression during the winter continue to be depressed in the spring. Exposure to more daylight in the springtime increases energy and motivation which could turn someone who is passively suicidal into someone who is a danger to themselves. • Depressed people are isolated during the winter months. When spring begins there is an expectation that people will spend time outdoors and socialize with friends. Missing out on this experience can worsen feelings of loneliness and disappointment and make people more likely to act on suicidal thoughts. • There is an association between inflammation in the brain and mood disorders. Spring brings pollen and allergic reactions to some, and this results in an inflammatory response. It is hypothesized that inflammation may lead to depression or exacerbate the symptoms of those already experiencing depression. Suicide is the Second Leading Cause of Death in Teenagers, Ages 15-19 For Teenagers, the reasons are clearer. The seasonal
pattern relates to school issues. In the spring, high school seniors learn about college acceptances/rejections and are making the difficult decision about which college to attend. Other high school students who have struggled with their grades may be learning they are going to summer school or repeating an academic year. These stressful situations can worsen already existing symptoms of anxiety and depression, possibly increasing the risk of suicidal behaviors. Noticeable changes in behavior in teenagers may include irritability, isolation, and impulsivity. When parents become aware of these behavioral changes, they should speak with their children. Warning Signs of Suicide If you or someone you know is experiencing one or more of the following behaviors, he or she may be thinking about suicide. Don’t ignore these warning signs. Get help immediately! • Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself • Looking for a way to kill oneself • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain • Talking about being a burden to others • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs • Acting anxious or agitated, behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much • Withdrawing or feeling isolate • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge • Displaying extreme mood swings
Resources for Help If you or someone you know needs help, listed below are 24/7 Suicide Hotlines to call.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 /// SuicidePreventionLifeline.org
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 Press 1 /// www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Free, 24/7, confidential support is a call away. The Veterans Crisis Line can help even if you’re not enrolled in VA benefits or health care. TREVOR LGBTQ Crisis Hotline 1-866-488-7386 /// www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/#trevorChat If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential, and 100% free.
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