Everyday people, including Catholics, and churches can help those experiencing a mental health crisis and save lives, according to experts.
During National Suicide Prevention Month in September, ministry leaders and crisis experts are listing practical steps that individuals, families and churches can take to help.
In the United States, nearly 50,000 people died by suicide in 2023, which amounts to about one person every 11 minutes, according to numbers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. The government agency reports that many more think about or attempt: An estimated 12.8 million adults seriously considered taking their lives in 2022. The numbers are rising: rates increased roughly 36% between 2000 and 2022.
In the hopes of saving more lives, four experts shared their advice. Their comments come before November, when the pope’s prayer intention is for the prevention of suicide.
1. Take mental health seriously
These experts emphasized the importance of mental health.
“If you’re thinking of suicide, treat that the same way you would if you were having chest pains or maybe tingling in your arms,” said Deacon Ed Shoener, president of the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, a lay association dedicated to helping people with mental illness and their families.
“Similarly, if you’re having thoughts of suicide, don’t feel ashamed, just be concerned and make it a point to talk to your doctor, or if you know a therapist – but talk to someone about it,” he said.
2. Know the warning signs.
Learning the warning signs can help, according to experts like Wendy Martinez Farmer, vice president of 988 strategy, quality improvement and clinical standards at Vibrant Emotional Health.
Her nonprofit runs 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7 call, text and chat access to crisis counselors.
She listed signs that “may help determine if an individual is at risk,” especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss or change, she noted. Those include:
- Looking for a way to harm themselves.
- Talking about feeling hopeless.
- Talking about feeling trapped or in pain.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing use of alcohol or drugs.
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
3. Talk about it
These experts encouraged people to reach out to those who may be having a mental health crisis.
“If you think someone is suicidal or thinking of that, don’t be afraid to ask them,” Deacon Shoener said. “One, it signals that you’re open and willing to talk about mental health and matters such as that – and it also says you’re there, ready to help them.”
Elizabeth Leon, director of family support at Red Bird Ministries, a Catholic grief support ministry that runs a program called “Remember,” recommended practicing what to say. She suggested phrases such as, “I am concerned that you are so unhappy. Are you thinking about suicide?” and “Do you feel safe to be alone right now?”
Many people having a mental health crisis “will not ask for help, so having the courage to reach out to them is critical,” said Leon.
4. Don’t be afraid to act
Sometimes action is needed, experts said. Marian Sister Kathryn Maney, director of Red Bird Ministries’ “Remember” program, advised, “If someone expresses struggle with suicidal ideation, listen non-judgmentally and stay with them until they find help.”
If loved ones are exhibiting warning signs, Martinez Farmer also suggested, “Remove means, like weapons or pills.”
5. Use resources
These experts wanted people to know they are not alone. Among other resources, Sister Kathryn and Martinez Farmer recommended 988 Lifeline, which helps millions of people every year.
6. Act as a church to make a difference.
“Religious communities can be places of solace, where people turn for guidance through difficult times,” Martinez Farmer said. “Both the clergy and congregants can play a role in building a culture where everyone feels safe, seen and supported by leading with compassion, listening with care, serving one another and fostering belonging.”
— Katie Yoder, OSV News