Suicide tends to be a taboo topic that society tries to avoid as it brings up heavy and uncomfortable feelings. However, these conversations are key to bringing awareness to spotting and preventing decisions during times of temporary emotional distress.
According to a suicide prevention training hosted by Del Mar College counselors, on average one person dies by suicide every two hours in Texas alone. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ranging from 10 to 24 years old and is the fifth leading cause of death for individuals in the age range of 35-34 years old.
Del Mar College alone has students ranging from under 18 years old to as old as 64 years old according to student population data from Univstats.com.
According to the DMC Counseling Center, out of 100 appointments at the center last year there were 59.3% students who reported experiencing suicidal thoughts last year. Of those, 24.5% reported making previous suicide attempts prior to contacting a counselor.
So, who is at risk the most? What are the warning signs and how can others help?
The most vulnerable populations include those who have pre-existing substance use disorders and psychiatric disorders. This may also include those who have been active duty in the military, identified as LBGTQ+ youth, trauma survivors, individuals in the criminal justice system and individuals who are in professions that expose them to trauma or have access to lethal means, along with those who have previously attempted suicide or have untreated mental health challenges.
Warning signs can be direct or indirect verbal cues. Some people may be so direct in their signs by outwardly just saying “I’m thinking about killing myself,” to as indirect as “I want to go to sleep and never wake up.” Signs can be expressed in-person or online via social media.
Another warning may be an increase in discussion about death, dying or talking about self-harm.
If you notice warning signs in someone you care about or a peer, you can start helping by being direct and asking them if they are considering suicide. This may be uncomfortable but just remember that this might be a matter of life or death.
Show interest and be empathically supportive.
Do not be judgmental or give advice.
Do not make any promises.
Remind them that they are not alone and act by getting them connected to helpful resources.
For more information or other places to get help, contact the Del Mar Counseling Center at 361-698-1568, or call 911 in an emergency. Help is also available through the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation outreach at 361-215-8839, or the Nueces Center for Mental Health & Intellectual Disabilities Mobile Crisis Outreach Team at 1-888-767-4493 or the emergency rooms of Corpus Christi Medical Center’s Bayview Hospital and Oceans Behavioral Hospital at Christus Spohn Shoreline.
