Talking about suicide remains a taboo in many cultures, but it is precisely this silence that can cost lives. Suicide prevention is not just the responsibility of mental health professionals, but of society as a whole. Every person can learn to recognize warning signs and offer support when someone is going through a crisis.
In this article, I want to share evidence-based information about suicide prevention, the signs that may indicate risk, how to help someone in crisis, and what resources are available both in Spain and internationally.
Why is it important to talk about suicide prevention?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 700,000 people die by suicide each year worldwide. In Spain, it is estimated that around 4,000 people lose their lives to this cause annually. However, suicide is preventable in most cases.
Longitudinal studies show that between a 20% and a 30% of people who have committed a suicide attempt can be committed, especially in their first months.
Remember: If someone talks about suicide, it's not because they want attention. It's because they need help. Listening without judgment can save a life.
Warning signs: how to recognize the risk
Not everyone at risk shows the same signs, and some may hide their intentions very well. However, there are common indicators that can alert us to the possibility that someone is thinking about suicide.
Verbal signs
- Talking directly about suicide, death, or not wanting to live anymore
- Expressions like "it would be better if I wasn't here" or "no one would miss me"
- Ambiguous goodbyes or giving away personal items
- Frequent references to death in conversations or writings
Emotional and behavioral signs
- Sudden mood changes, especially increased hopelessness
- Sudden social isolation or abandonment of important activities
- Personal neglect or abandonment of responsibilities
- Increased alcohol, drug, or other substance use
- Unnecessary risk-taking behaviors
Physical signs
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Physical pain without apparent medical cause
- Chronic loss of energy or motivation
It's important to remember that these signs don't always indicate an imminent suicide risk, but they do deserve attention. If you observe several of these signs in someone close to you, it's time to act.
Risk factors and protective factors
Understanding what increases or decreases suicide risk helps us intervene more effectively. Some risk factors include:
- History of previous suicide attempts
- Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
- Chronic health problems or persistent pain
- Significant losses (grief, breakup, unemployment)
- History of abuse or trauma
- Access to lethal means
On the other hand, protective factors can help prevent suicide:
- Strong social connections and emotional support
- Skills to cope with stress and solve problems
- Access to medical care and mental health services
- Spiritual or religious beliefs that give meaning to life
- Responsibilities toward others (family, pets, work)
How to help someone in crisis
If you suspect someone is at risk of suicide, your intervention can be crucial. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to act:
1. Stay calm and listen actively
If someone confides in you that they are thinking about suicide, don't panic. Listen without interrupting, validate their feelings, and let them know they are not alone. Phrases like "I understand you're suffering a lot" or "I care about what's happening to you" can be very powerful.
2. Ask directly about suicide
Contrary to what many think, asking directly about suicidal thoughts doesn't "put ideas" in the person's head. On the contrary, it can relieve the pressure of keeping the secret. Questions like "Are you thinking of harming yourself?" or "Have you had thoughts of suicide?" show genuine concern.
3. Don't leave the person alone
If the risk seems imminent, don't leave the person alone. Stay with them until professional help arrives. If possible, remove access to potentially lethal means (medications, weapons, etc.).
4. Seek professional help immediately
Contact emergency services or mental health professionals. In Spain, you can call 024 (suicide warning phone) or 112. If the person is in psychological treatment, inform them of their therapy.
5. Don't promise to keep the secret
The scientific evidence and clinical guidelines (WHO, NICE, APA) establish that the conduct of suicide constitutes a vital risk situation in which the principle of confidentiality is not absolute. Before the expression of idea or intention of suicide, it is indicated to activate redes of apoyo and derivation from professional mental health, including without the explicit consent of the person if it exists riesgo significativo. This action is based on the principle of life protection and the evidence that early intervention reduces the likelihood of repetition of the intention.
Fundamento
- WHO (WHO, 2014; 2023) – Preventing suicide: early intervention and effective action
- NICE Guidelines (NG225, 2022) – Manejo de autolesiones: priorizar seguridad sobre confidencialidad en riesgo
- APA Practice Guidelines – Evaluation and handling of suicide risks
- Means Matter – Harvard T.H. Chan – Importancia de la intervention y reducción del riesgo
What NOT to do: Don't say phrases like "think about what you have to be grateful for" or "others have it worse." These expressions minimize suffering. Also, don't try to "fix" the problem yourself if you're not a professional.
Resources available in Spain
In Spain, there are several free and confidential resources for people in crisis or their loved ones:
- 024 - Free telephone line to alert people about suicideAttention 24 hours for people in crisis suicide
- 900 202 010 - Telephone ANAR For children, teenagers and families
- 112 - Emergency Services: For immediate emergencies
In the Balearic Islands, where I practice, we also have specific resources such as the Mental Health Service of the Govern de les Illes Balears.
Long-term prevention
Suicide prevention is not limited to intervening in acute crises. It also involves working on protective factors at the community level:
- Reducing stigma around mental health
- Improving access to mental health services
- Promoting social connections and community support
- Educating about warning signs and psychological first aid
- Restricting access to suicide means
As a psychologist, I firmly believe that therapy can be a powerful tool in prevention. Working on emotional skills development, stress management, and building meaning in life can help many people overcome difficult times.
If you or someone close to you is at risk
If you're reading this because you're experiencing suicidal thoughts yourself, I want to tell you something important: your life matters, and the pain you're feeling now doesn't have to last forever. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of courage.
If you know someone who might be at risk, your concern is already an act of love. You don't have to be perfect to help; you just have to be willing to listen and seek professional support.
If you need professional support
As a psychologist specialized in mental health, I offer a safe and confidential space to work on crises and prevention. We can explore together what's happening to you and find paths toward hope.
Even now, there may be a way out
Suicide prevention requires that we break the silence and talk openly about emotional suffering. Recognizing warning signs, offering non-judgmental support, and seeking professional help in time can save lives.
If you're going through a difficult time, remember that you're not alone. There are people and resources available to accompany you. Hopelessness can feel permanent, but with proper support, it is possible to find the path to healing and hope.