(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A record number of people died by suicide in the United States in 2022 — almost 49,500 — according to CDC statistics released in August.
September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, and a local expert spoke with WBBM about how people can help those who are struggling.
Research has found people who are at high risk for suicide are more likely to see themselves as burdens to others, feel hopeless and have what’s called “thwarted belonginess.” Dr. Ellen Astrachan-Fletcher, regional clinical director at Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center in Chicago, explained what that means.
“They don’t feel like they belong anywhere, so they often have huge self judgments, as well as judgments about human beings and people, in general,” Astrachan-Fletcher said.
She suggested that family and friends can help change that by reaching out in-person, if possible. If it’s not possible, then a phone call or a text are fine alternatives.
“Talk to them about how you want to be there for them; that they’re not in this alone,” she said.
Astrachan-Fletcher, who’s also an associate professor of psychology at the University of Illinois-Chicago and a lecturer at Northwestern’s medical school, cautioned that telling people who are contemplating suicide what do to often pushes them away.
After a surge in demand for therapy during the pandemic, she sees the current decline as a calm before an uptick as stresses rise with students returning to school.
A 24-7 suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by calling 988.
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