September is National Suicide Prevention Month – a time to remember the lives lost to suicide, acknowledge the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and the many individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted by suicide.
Mental health experts with MetroWest Medical Center say it’s also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope.
Such discussions regarding mental health are critical when it comes to recognizing and understanding the warning signs that someone might be considering suicide, says Maxim Lianski, MD, Chief of Psychiatry with MetroWest Medical Center.
“Suicide awareness is incredibly important because it is something we can all work together to prevent,” says Dr. Lianski. “Understanding the issues regarding suicide and mental health is an important step in helping ourselves, helping others, and positively reframing the conversation around mental health.”
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2022 alone, more than 49,000 Americans died by suicide with 1.6M suicide attempts that same year. Such figures make efforts to raise awareness during National Suicide Prevention Month critical to keeping loved ones safe stresses Dr. Lianski.
While there is no one set of signs that someone might be considering hurting himself or herself, Dr. Lianski says that at-risk individuals often display certain characteristics or risk factors.
“Risk factors can include a current or historical mental health diagnosis, alcohol and/or substance use disorders, feelings of hopelessness, history of trauma or abuse, access to lethal means, lack of social support, stressful life events (such as divorce, bullying, financial crisis, or psychosocial loss), exposure to another person’s suicide, and perceived stigmas associated with mental health,” he explains.
According to Dr. Lianski, family, friends and the community can all play an important role in preventing suicide by simply being aware of those around us and caring for their well-being.
“It is important to pay attention to what people say, how they act, and how they feel. A person considering suicide might talk about killing themselves, being a burden to others, or feeling hopeless,” he says. “Their behaviors might also signal a risk, especially if it is related to a painful event, or loss. Warning signs can include isolation from family and friends, giving away prized possessions, new or increased aggression, and fatigue.”
Above all, those who are considering suicide should not be ashamed to seek help.
“Whether you, or someone you know, might have mental health concerns or suicidal ideations, be open and don’t be afraid to speak to someone,” Dr. Lianski says. “We all have mental health just as we have physical health, and help is available.”
MetroWest Medical Center–Leonard Morse Hospital is a full-service psychiatric hospital that offers behavioral health services which can help you or your loved one manage mental health issues, geriatric-related mental health needs or substance abuse problems. It’s Partial Hospital Program (PHP) has recently reopened at Leonard Morse Hospital offering short-term, intensive, day treatment for adults, ages 18 and up, with a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including mood and anxiety disorders, depression and thought disorders.
For more information on behavioral health services offered at MetroWest Medical Center, visit https://www.mwmc.com/services/behavioral-health.
If you or someone you know is distressed or at risk of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Christa McAuliffe Center 
MetroWest YMCA