Prevention
Suicide is consistently a significant public health issue globally, nationally, statewide, and locally. Factors leading to suicidality are as complex and unique as each individual facing suicidality. HOWEVER, knowing what to look for and how to respond CAN prevent a vast majority of suicides.
Prevention and protection requires strategies and interventions at all levels of society, including the individual, family, and community levels. Below are three key prevention strategies.
Know the signs and risk factors.
Being able to recognize warning signs and risk factors allows intervention to take place. Intervention is key to prevention.
Promote prevention and resilience.
Be ready and able to intervene.
Increase protective factors:
Individual Protective Factors
Effective coping and problem-solving skills
Reasons for living (for example, family, friends, pets, etc.)
Strong sense of cultural identity
Ability to adapt to change
Self-esteem
Relationship Protective Factors
Support from partners, friends, and family
Feeling connected to others
Commit to social change.
Reduce stigma surrounding mental health, suicide, and reaching out for help
Promote education on mental health and suicide
Increase connectedness within school, community, and other social institutions
Increase access to quality physical and behavioral healthcare
Strengthen economic supports
Reduce substance use within the community through increase access to treatment
Support social-emotional learning and resilience in education systems
