September is a dedicated time to raise awareness about suicide and suicide prevention. In response to National Suicide Prevention Month, Dr. Ajita M. Robinson, LCPC, NCC, a licensed clinical professional counselor and national certified counselor who owns Maryland-based Friends in Transition Counseling Services, and Sneha Raj, PsyD, LP, a clinical psychologist and owner of Vikas Psychology, LLC, provided insight about the growing health problem.
Photo Credit: Dr. Ajita M. Robinson
Language Saves Lives
Dr. Robinson asserted that how we talk about suicide influences how people grieve, how they seek help, and how stigma associated with suicide can be reduced if someone ended his or her life. Avoid referring to them as someone who “committed suicide.” It implies that a crime was committed.
“Instead, use ‘died by suicide’ or ‘ended their life.’ This change may seem small, but it makes a tremendous difference in creating compassionate, safe spaces for families and for those who are struggling,” the expert said.
Adolescent Suicide Had Risen
Suicide became the second leading cause of death for adolescents in the United States in 2022 (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40719-022-00223-7).
“The pandemic made things worse as the isolation caused by social distancing added to the pressures many teens were already facing. These pressures can include challenges like family problems, financial struggles, or a personal or family history of depression or substance abuse,” Dr. Raj informed.
Dr. Robinson mentioned that our words need to affirm dignity and reduce shame, so people feel more comfortable reaching out for help, to encourage a positive shift in statistics of death by suicide.
Additionally, Dr. Raj revealed that teenagers who have experienced the loss of someone they care about, especially if that person died by suicide, are at a much higher risk of trying to take their own lives.
“In fact, research shows that a teen’s risk of attempting suicide can increase by as much as 65% if they lose a close friend or relative to suicide,” she stated.
The way suicide is talked about in the media—whether it is the death of a celebrity or a storyline in a popular television show—can also affect teens’ mental health.
“Seeing suicide glamorized or overly dramatized may make it feel more ‘normal’ or, on the other hand, lead to more stigma and confusion. In either case, it can make the emotional pain even harder to process, especially for young people who are exposed to it through news, social media, or television,” Dr. Raj further explained.
A Dangerous Myth About Suicide
Dr. Robinson mentioned that one of the most dangerous myths about suicide is that achievement protects people from despair.
“In reality, success can sometimes hide suffering. In the U.S., nearly 49,300 people died by suicide in 2023—the highest rate since 1941, at 14.2 deaths per 100,000 people (https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html ). These numbers cut across all walks of life, including individuals who outwardly appear to ‘have it all.’ For high achievers, the pressure to maintain an image of competence often makes it even harder to ask for help.”
Dr. Robinson noted that warning signs such as withdrawal, drastic mood changes, or expressing hopelessness, can surface quietly, even while someone’s professional or public life looks polished.
The Need for Immediate and Long- Term Support
Globally, more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide).
“This leaves countless families to navigate lifelong grief and grapple with profound grief, guilt, and shame for every life lost to suicide,” according to Dr. Robinson.
Suicide loss survivors need to be shown ongoing acts of compassion. Dr. Robinson suggests checking in with them during holidays, anniversaries, or milestones. Connecting them to resources like therapy or support groups and provide practical support, such as caring for children and preparing meals.
“Respect privacy. Never ask “what happened?” unless details are offered. And remember, grief doesn’t end after the funeral,” Dr. Robinson stated.
Dr. Raj added that if teenagers are grieving the loss of someone to suicide, seek professional help when feelings are overwhelming and create a judgement-free safe space for them to share their feelings.
“Acknowledge that suicide leaves a permanent hole in the lives of those left behind and remind them that there is no going back once it happens.”
The Bottom Line
Participate in suicide prevention by knowing what to do to keep yourself safe or someone else if a crisis arises. Therapy, medications and support for mental health conditions can support individuals who are having suicidal thoughts. People who are in crisis can contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
Learn more about Dr. Robinson by visiting https://fit-counseling.com/about/dr-ajita-m-robinson and Dr. Raj via https://vikas-psychology.clientsecure.me.