Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis’ 24-Hour Crisis Hotline Sees 50% Call Increase after New SAMHSA Suicide Study Released

A first-of-a-kind National study released by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) last week revealed that 8.3 million adults in the U.S. have serious thoughts of committing suicide in the past year. The SAMHSA release provided important insights into the nature and scope of suicidal thoughts and behaviors and publicized the National Suicide Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK.

Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis (MHAGI) is Indiana’s link to SAMHSA’s national hotline. All calls are filtered to MHAGI’s crisis line. Locally the crisis line number is 317-251-7575. On average the line receives 29 calls during a Friday to Sunday time period, however after the results of the SAMHSA study were published Thursday, the local line received 46 calls, a 50 percent increase in call volume over the weekend. The primary reason of the weekend calls were suicide related followed by substance abuse, anxiety, relationship issues and loneliness.

For Hoosiers, 1 out 5 injury related deaths (more than 700 deaths annually) occur from suicide and Indiana ranks 21st in the nation for its suicide rate. According to the Indiana State Department of Health, between 2003 and 2006 suicide was the 11th leading cause of death. Suicide is an important public health issue because most suicides are preventable.

“Our crisis and suicide hotline has been around for almost forty years and has helped countless people who were voicing suicidal thoughts,” said Elizabeth Boyle, director of crisis and suicide intervention service. “It is very important that people know that they need to directly ask the person if they are thinking about suicide and to use the word suicide.  Many people are afraid to do this for fear that it will plant the idea in someone’s head.  In actuality, that question will not plant an idea that isn’t already there and if they are suicidal, they will be relieved to be asked the question because it tells them that it is okay to talk about it,” Boyle emphasized. Here is a quick review of some of the questions that people want to know in regards to suicide.  Having a greater awareness of the signs of someone considering suicide and knowing what to do if they are can make all the difference.

Why Do People Commit Suicide?

A suicide attempt is a clear indication that something is gravely wrong in a person’s life. No matter the race or age of the person; how rich or poor they are, it is true that most people who commit suicide have a mental or emotional disorder. The most common underlying disorder is depression, 30% to 70% of suicide victims suffer from major depression or bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder.

Warning Signs of Someone Considering Suicide

Any one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean the person is suicidal, but several of these symptoms may signal a need for help:

• Verbal suicide threats such as, “You’d be better off without me.” or “Maybe I won’t be around”
• Expressions of hopelessness and helplessness
• Previous suicide attempts
• Daring or risk-taking behavior
• Personality changes
• Depression
• Giving away prized possessions
• Lack of interest in future plans

Remember: Eight out of ten suicidal persons give some sign of their intentions. People who talk about suicide, threaten to commit suicide, or call suicide crisis centers are 30 times more likely than average to kill themselves.

What To Do If You Think Someone Is Suicidal

• Trust your instincts that the person may be in trouble
• Talk with the person about your concerns. Communication needs to include LISTENING
• Ask direct questions without being judgmental. Determine if the person has a specific plan to carry out the suicide. The more detailed the plan, the greater the risk
• Get professional help, even if the person resists
• Do not leave the person alone
• Do not swear to secrecy
• Do not act shocked or judgmental
• Do not counsel the person yourself

Resources in Your Community

• Clergy
• Medical professionals
• Community mental health centers
• Law-enforcement agencies
• Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis’ Crisis & Suicide Intervention Service  and other telephone hotlines

For more information on mental health or information on local services, visit the Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis website at www.mhaindy.net or contact Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis at (317) 251-0005.

In Crisis? Reach out. Get help.

(317) 251-7575  .  1-800-273-TALK

Confidential.  Wherever you are.  24 hours a day.

Suicide intervention. Substance abuse. Depression.

Stress management. Relationship issues.