September is the month of the year where we focus on suicide prevention. As the month comes to a close, however, it’s important for us to continue to keep the topic in the forefront of our minds by being mindful of the causes of suicidal ideation, and the warning signs to look out for. This becomes especially important when we look at suicidal ideation through the lens of intimate partner violence (IPV), as the two subjects can be intricately linked together.
Intricately linked in what sense? Well, when we think about what may bring about suicidal thoughts into the mind of an individual, we have to examine both internal and external factors that are affecting them.
Examples of internal factors would include the following:
- Mental illness
- Addiction
- Chronic pain
- Trauma and/or injury to the brain
- Memories of past trauma/neglect or unaddressed emotional distress
- Loneliness
- Low feelings of self-worth
Examples of external factors would include the following:
- A dangerous or unstable environment
- Access to the means to complete suicide, such as a weapon or a controlled substance
- An on-going traumatic event
- Environmental triggers that may exacerbate negative emotions
- Being unable to access preventative services or resources
These are not exhaustive lists, nor do all suicidal individuals experience these particular risk factors, but they are prominent in many cases and can certainly increase the possibility of suicidal ideation. Knowing that, and knowing what we do about IPV, it becomes clear where the two may overlap.
Those who are experiencing IPV, or have survived IPV in the past, are more likely to experience all of the above risk factors than those who haven’t. Survivors are at a higher risk of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety; they are statistically more likely to experience substance abuse and poverty; of course, an IPV situation could create a volatile, unstable environment to exist in; physical pain and traumatic brain injuries increase when one is in an IPV situation; and IPV survivors may experience isolation, being berated, and repeatedly put down, therefore impacting their self-worth.
Now for the record, this is all just the tip of the iceberg. Suicidal ideation and IPV are both nuanced, complicated subjects that cannot be summarized this briefly, but simply knowing the factors at play is a step toward being able to recognize when somebody is at risk. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the warning signs of suicidality can help you save a life.
Some warning signs to look out for include:
- Talking—either in person or online—about suicide or wanting to no longer exist
- Self-harm
- Mood swings
- Abruptly becoming more cheerful than usual (this may be a sign that they have made peace with their decision and are feeling less stressed)
- Giving away prized possessions
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Isolation
If you spot these warning signs in someone, it is important that you take action and speak plainly with the person about your concerns. Do not minimize or try to solve the problem, but be an active listener and encourage them to get help. While we at Friendship Home are more cognizant of how IPV affects suicidality, the reality is that everyone is susceptible, regardless of circumstance. So yes, while September is National Suicide Prevention Month, our hope is that you will take this knowledge with you into the rest of the year and beyond.
If you want more information, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s website at afsp.org.
About the Author
Dylan has been with Friendship Home since April 2017 and is currently serving as an advocate.