The holidays can be a tough time for many people. The pressure to be happy and spend time with family can be tough when you’re struggling with your mental health. For some people the holiday season can be a trigger for suicidal thoughts.
It’s hard to say definitively whether suicide rates actually increase during the holidays. However there is some evidence to suggest that this may be the case. A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the rate of suicide deaths in the United States was highest in the months of December and January.
There are a number of possible explanations for why suicide rates might increase during the holidays. The holiday season can be a time of increased stress and anxiety for some people. The pressure to spend time with family and friends buy presents and attend holiday parties can be overwhelming. For people who are struggling with their mental health the holiday season can be a tough time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts there is help available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress. You can call them at 1-800-273-8255 or chat with them online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
What is the definition of suicide?
Answer: Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death.
How many people die by suicide each year?
Answer: Each year more than 44000 people die by suicide in the United States.
Does the rate of suicide increase during the holidays?
Answer: While the holidays can be a tough time for some people there is no evidence to suggest that the rate of suicide increases during this time.
Who is most at risk for suicide?
Answer: People who are most at risk for suicide are those who have a mental health disorder such as depression anxiety or substance abuse.
What are some Warning Signs of Suicide?
Answer: Warning signs of suicide include talking about wanting to die or hurt oneself expressing feelings of hopelessness talking about being a burden to others increasing alcohol or drug abuse withdrawing from friends and activities abnormal mood swings and giving away prized possessions.
How can I help someone who may be suicidal?
Answer: If you are worried about someone the best thing to do is to talk to him or her about it.
You can also call a suicide hotline in your area.
What is the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline?
Answer: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
How can I get help if I am feeling suicidal?
Answer: You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak to a trained counselor.
You can also talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
What are some risk factors for suicide?
Answer: Some risk factors for suicide include mental health disorders such as depression anxiety or substance abuse; a history of trauma or abuse; a family history of suicide; a previous suicide attempt; and feeling isolated or alone.
What are some protective factors against suicide?
Answer: Some protective factors against suicide include having a strong support system having a sense of purpose in life and feeling connected to others.
How can I prevent someone I know from dying by suicide?
Answer: If you are worried about someone the best thing to do is to talk to him or her about it.
You can also call a suicide hotline in your area.
How can I get help if I am feeling suicidal?
Answer: You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak to a trained counselor.
You can also talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
What are some risk factors for suicide?
Answer: Some risk factors for suicide include mental health disorders such as depression anxiety or substance abuse; a history of trauma or abuse; a family history of suicide; a previous suicide attempt; and feeling isolated or alone.
What are some protective factors against suicide?
Answer: Some protective factors against suicide include having a strong support system having a sense of purpose in life and feeling connected to others.
How can I prevent someone I know from dying by suicide?
Answer: If you are worried about someone the best thing to do is to talk to him or her about it.
You can also call a suicide hotline in your area.
