Suicide Awareness & Prevention – Know the Warning Signs and Where to Get Help

Suicide is a growing public health concern, touching lives at home, in the workplace, and in our communities. In 2020, 1.2 million Americans attempted suicide and nearly 46,000 died by suicide¹. That averages one death every 11 minutes¹. As tragic and complex as suicide is, it’s important to know that it’s often preventable. The more we know about this leading cause of death, the more we can help someone who may be at risk. 

The Mindful by Blue KC Suicide Awareness & Prevention webpage is a good place to start educating yourself on this crucial subject and familiarizing yourself with the warning signs. 

Suicide warning signs² 

Talk. If a person talks about: 

• Killing themselves 
• Feeling hopeless 
• Having no reason to live 
• Being a burden to others 
• Feeling trapped 
• Unbearable pain 

Behavior. Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss, or change: 

• Increased use of alcohol or drugs 
• Looking for a way to end their life, such as searching online for methods 
• Withdrawing from activities 
• Isolating from family and friends 
• Sleeping too much or too little 
• Visiting or calling people to say goodbye 
• Giving away prized possessions 
• Aggression 
• Fatigue 

Mood. People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods: 

• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Loss of interest 
• Irritability 
• Humiliation/Shame 
• Agitation/Anger 
• Relief/Sudden Improvement 

Where to get immediate help 

24/7 Behavioral Health Support. In a unique role exclusive to Blue KC health plans, members have access to Mindful Advocates, licensed behavioral health clinicians who can help with in-the-moment support and connect you to the right care and services, including an expediated access network for those in crisis. A Blue KC Mindful Advocate is available 24/7 at 833-302-MIND (6463). 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Anyone can call, text, or chat 988 to connect 24/7 to a trained counselor will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. 

Additional resources and education:  

• The Mindful by Blue KC Suicide Awareness & Prevention webpage includes a suicide awareness quiz and information on who to call for help. 
• Suicide Facts and Figures gives insight and statistics behind this tragic cause of death.   
• Myths about Suicide addresses common misconceptions about suicide.  
• The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. 

¹Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control 
²American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Retrieved from: https://afsp.org/risk-factors-and-warning-signs