Beyond the Numbers: The Human Story of Suicide

What are the warning signs of suicide?

Suicide claims more than 700,000 lives globally each year, but each loss represents a person battling invisible pain. Common warning signs include:

• Talking about hopelessness, being a burden, or having no reason to live.

• Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities that were once enjoyable.

• Dramatic shifts in mood or personality.

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs, or major changes in sleep patterns.

• Giving away cherished belongings or handling personal affairs.

• Speaking, joking, or posting about death or suicide.

• A sudden sense of calm after deep distress.

How do I help someone who is suicidal?

First, trust your instincts. If something feels off, reach out. Ask caring, direct questions such as, “How are you, really?” or “I’ve noticed you seem down. I’m here to talk.” Naming that people may have thoughts about death and dying, in a non-judgmental way, can help people feel more open to talking. Evidence from peer-reviewed studies confirms that family, community, and peer support all play vital roles in prevention and intervention.

Where can I find crisis help?

Quick access to crisis resources saves lives. Share these emergency contacts:

• U.S. & Canada: Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

• U.K. & ROI: Call Samaritans at 116 123.

• Global: Find support via the IASP findahelpline.com.

  
  

How do I cope with depression and feelings of hopelessness?

Connect with others. Expanding your social support, even when it feels hard and can help to lessen the feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Release the temptation to mask your feelings and let people you trust know that you are going through a hard time. Talking to a therapist or psychologist, engaging in body-based supports like yoga, getting adequate nutrition and sleep can help you to feel better and can go a long way in reducing symptoms of depression.

What are the best digital tools for mental health?

Recent research shows digital interventions such as apps, online modules, virtual safety planning, and telehealth sessions can be used to supplement therapy sessions and support recovery for diverse groups, but technology cannot replace interactions with a licensed mental health professional.  Integrating these resources with traditional therapy supports healthy outcomes and the recovery journey,

How do I support someone going through a mental health crisis?

• Listen without judgment.

• Help them develop and activate a suicide safety plan, including warning signs, coping strategies, trusted contacts, and professional resources.

• Remind them of their reasons for living, and check in regularly.

  
  

How can family and friends help?

Peer-reviewed evidence supports family-based interventions: sharing information, promoting open communication, and managing environmental safety all lower suicide risk. Encouraging professional support and remaining available as a trusted ally is crucial.

How to ask for help with mental health?

Many feel uncertain about asking for help. Use clear statements: “I’m struggling and need support,” or “Can you help me find professional resources?” Digital platforms and mental health helplines are confidential, accessible ways to begin.

What recent research supports suicide prevention?

• Sharma, V., Marshall, D., Fortune, S., Prescott, A. E., Boggiss, A., Macleod, E., Mitchell, C., Clarke, A., Robinson, J., Witt, K. G., Hawton, K., & Hetrick, S. E. (2024). Prevention of self-harm and suicide in young people up to the age of 25 in education settings. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 12(12), CD013844. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013844.pub2

• Sherekar, P., & Mehta, M. (2025). Harnessing technology for hope: a systematic review of digital suicide prevention tools. Discover mental health, 5(1), 101. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-025-00245-y. 

• Yosep, I., Hikmat, R., Mardhiyah, A., & Hernawaty, T. (2024). A Scoping Review of Digital-Based Intervention for Reducing Risk of Suicide Among Adults. Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare, 17, 3545–3556. https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S472264. 

  
  

Hope is always available, and connecting with these resources can turn a moment of crisis into the beginning of recovery.