Suicide is the clinical term describing a person intentionally taking his or her own life. Even though suicide is preventable, it has become a major public health problem, and it must be addressed.

Solace Counseling can help you face the many potential risk factors that, left untreated, can ultimately lead to suicide. In fact, 90% of those who commit suicide are suffering from depression, other mental health disorders (like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and anxiety) and/or abuse drugs and alcohol. If we can treat the core problem behind the suicidal thoughts, we can help lower its risk.

Other risk factors to watch for include:

• Prior suicide attempt
• Family history of mental health disorders, substance abuse and/or suicide
• Family violence or abuse
• Time spent in jail

Besides the obvious emotional effects suffered in advance by the victim, suicide is of course most devastating for the friends and family. They often struggle with guilt afterwards, second-guessing whether there was anything they “could have done” to prevent it.

If you or someone you know has thought about attempting suicide, seek help immediately. Most people who are contemplating suicide don’t actually want to die; what they truly want is simply relief from their problems or pain. They come to see death as the only way out. Of course, many, many other options are available—and all of them are better. This is why it’s so important to be aware of the signs. If you or your loved one can get help early enough, it’s entirely possible to treat the underlying disorder and hopefully prevent any suicide attempts in the future. We can even offer life skills that will help you live a rich, full, happy life.

For more information about how to get help for someone who may be expressing any of these risk factors, contact Solace Counseling. Of course, if you believe someone might be an immediate threat to themselves, seek help immediately. Many crisis lines and centers are equipped to handle such situations right now.

And be sure to look for Solace Counseling on Facebook and Twitter.