A message from Julia Kyle, director, Behavioral Health Strategy & Planning
Let’s work together to increase our suicide prevention efforts

I recently had the opportunity to speak at two of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Virtual Well-Being℠ webinars on the topic of suicide prevention. September is National Suicide Prevention Month and Sept. 10 was World Suicide Prevention Day, which provided a good opportunity to raise awareness of what we can do to help those at risk of suicide.

Blue Cross provides free, weekly Virtual Well-Being webinars to help individuals focus on improving various aspects of their well-being. The webinars are available live and on demand to the public around the world. I’ve provided a link to the site in the “Tools to use” box at the end of this article.

At the webinars on suicide prevention, I discussed the importance of eliminating stigma, normalizing the conversation around mental health and spreading the word about actions we can take to prevent suicide. I thought that much of the information I discussed might be useful to health care providers and hospital leaders — both as a refresher and for sharing with colleagues.

Some key facts

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. for people between the ages of 10 and 34, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
• In 2020 (most recent verified data), 45,979 Americans died by suicide and there were 1.2 million suicide attempts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Researchers estimate that 83% of people who die by suicide had seen a health care provider in the year prior to dying, but only half of those had a mental health diagnosis.

Warning signs

• Giving away possessions
• Saying goodbyes with a sense of finality
• Stockpiling drugs or securing a weapon
• Obsession with death
• Dramatic changes in mood or behavior
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
• A sense of hopelessness
• Withdrawing from people and activities

Action steps

• If you or someone you know is expressing suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255.
• Remove anything they could use to harm themselves.
• Stay with the person until you can get outside advice or assistance.

Other ways to help

• Encourage patients struggling with a behavioral health condition to seek help from a behavioral health professional. Members or health care providers can find a behavioral health specialist in their area by using the Find a Doctor search tool on bcbsm.com.
• Have the conversation. Speak in a supportive, nonjudgmental way and try to assess how serious the situation might be. Starting a conversation with someone who may be suicidal can help save a life.
• See additional suggestions in “Tools to use” box below. It includes links to other helpful resources.

As my colleague, Dr. William Beecroft, says, “Suicide is a permanent solution to what may be a temporary problem.” That’s why it’s so important for physicians and others to talk with someone who seems despondent, sad or disengaged — especially if they’re going through a difficult time, such as a divorce, chronic illness or death of a family member.

In a column last year, he suggested that if a person indicates they’re thinking of suicide, you should ask if they have a plan. If they say yes, assist them in seeking immediate help.

As health care professionals, we have a duty to get suicidal patients the help they need.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.