Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 20-34, according to the American Psychological Strategic Alliance Program (2024). It is the point of no return.

There are five patterns of suicide as follows:

1) Impulsive Suicide: there is a significant disappointment or frustration, and the pain is too great to bear.
2) Depressed Suicide: the person finds no meaning, purpose, or happiness in life and does not feel it will change.
3) Suicide as an Escape from Suffering: the physical or emotional illness has no foreseen improvement, and life becomes unbearable.
4) Communication Suicide: the person is seeking sympathy, affection, and attention.
5) Loss of a Loved One Suicide: the death is usually recent, and without the loved one, life seems lonely and meaningless.

Kevin Hines survived his suicidal attempt of jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco on September 25, 2000. He immediately realized after letting go of the rail that he did not want to die. He suffered extreme injury to his lower extremity and is one of less than 1% of people who survive such an attempt.

Hines found that 40% of suicidal people survive suicide if they take five minutes to stop and think about it because, this time, they will often change their minds about taking their lives. Hines advocates this hesitation or “5-Minute Rule” in his talks.

Another preventive technique is to look into the mirror before attempting suicide and realize that thoughts do not define actions. Placing photographs of loved ones around the mirror serves as a reason to live for many. However, some people will kill themselves no matter what.

There is online help for parents whose children have committed suicide called Parents’ Network. This was established by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, through their charitable Archewell Foundation.

Children have been victimized by harmful online content in the form of bullying on social media, which in turn leads to the ideation of suicide. The motivation for this project came from Meghan’s suicidal thoughts in 2021. She stressed being open about one’s thoughts of suicide and talking with someone who would listen. Some suicidal people have said that even a stranger who spoke with them was the reason for not going through with it.

Suicide is the leading cause of death among college students. Jessie Peissig, Psychology Chair at California State University Fullerton (CSUF), is pursuing the Peyton Heart Project, whose “mission is to raise global awareness about suicide, bullying and to help end the stigma surrounding mental health issues.” Knitted and crocheted hearts with inspirational messages are scattered across the city of Fullerton as others have done across the United States and the world. Students at CSUF can get help by contacting a live person 24/7, no matter what problems they are dealing with, to find a reason to live (1-800-273-TALK).

What can you do to help someone having suicidal thoughts?

You can help by suggesting talking things over with a person, trying to change the situation, trying a new approach to resolve stress and depression, getting some exercise, having a temporary change of scenery, learning to relax with a hobby or sport, trying relaxing techniques and to call 988 for help.

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Jo Ann Brannock, PhD. is a retired psychologist and professor of psychology.