Let's Talk About Suicide ...

As of July 16th 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline re-branded to The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. By dialing or texting 988 on your mobile device or heading to their website www.988lifeline.org where you can access the chat feature, you will be connected to a trained crisis worker for free, and obtain access to 24/7/365 confidential support and provide you with the resources you may need. The suicide & crisis line offers services for the hearing impaired, non-English speakers, veterans, and specialized services for LGBTQIA+. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2020, suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people of all ages 10-64, 1.2 million attempted suicide,  and nearly 46,000 people died by suicide which is equivalent to 1 death every 11 minutes. 


The New Jersey State Public Health Data Assessment Resource indicates the average annual suicide count is about 740, and there are about twice as many suicides as homicides in the state. So, what steps and precautions is New Jersey implementing to prevent suicide? Governor Phil Murphy approved a budget for the fiscal year of 2023 where $28.3 million dollars is being allocated for crisis response, $12.8 million being applied towards implementing 988 and $16 million for mobile crisis response to support individuals in crisis who need in-person care (NJ Governor). Governor Phil Murphy also signed Bill S311 into law to establish a statewide behavioral health crisis system of care to ensure New Jersey residents have access to the specialized mental healthcare they need. Bill S311 adopted on February 3rd 2022 has several goals attributed to upholding the behavioral health crisis response including reducing the stigma associated with suicide, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders, improve equity in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, and promoting full access to behavioral health care services across rural, urban, and tribal communities. 


Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, our country’s mental health crisis became alarmingly apparent with shortage of mental healthcare providers and an increased need for specialized care, especially with our youth. In a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, 37% of high school students reported poor mental health during the pandemic, and 44% reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (NJ Governor). To prioritize the mental well-being of children and adolescents, Governor Murphy proposed the Strengthening Young Mental Health initiative which consists of four pillars including prevention and resilience building, increasing awareness and reducing stigma, access and affordability of quality treatment and care, and caregiver and educator training and support (NJ Governor). 


So, how can I tell if someone I care about is feeling suicidal or contemplating suicide? It’s important to understand that not all suicidal people present with the same symptoms. Some of the most common warning sides are: 

A suicidal person may talk about: 

  • Wanting to die

  • Being a burden to others

  • Overwhelming guilt or shame


A suicidal person may express feelings of: 

  • Emptiness

  • Hopelessness

  • Feeling stuck/trapped

  • Feeling they have no reason to live

  • Overwhelming sadness, anxiety, agitation or rage

  • Unbearable emotional or physical pain


A suicidal person may display these changes in behavior: 

  • Giving away personal items 

  • Making a plan or researching ways to die

  • Changes in sleeping patterns

  • Social withdrawal 

  • Extreme mood swings

  • Engaging in risky behaviors



If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts please utilize one of the following resources: 








       References: 

New Jersey State Health Assessment Data New Jersey's Public Health Data Resource. NJSHAD - Complete Health Indicator Report - Suicide. (2022, June 29). https://www-doh.state.nj.us/doh-shad/indicator/complete_profile/Suicide.html 

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2023, February 17). Suicide Statistics. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/ 

Office of the Governor. (n.d.). Speaker Coughlin Highlights Mental Health Care Crisis Response Investments Ahead of 9-8-8 Launch. Official Site of the State of New Jersey . Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562022/20220715e.shtml 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, October 24). Facts About Suicide. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html 

State of New Jersey 220th Legislature. State of New Jersey Senate, No. 311 . (2022, February 3). Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2022/S0500/311_R2.PDF 

Official Site of the State of New Jersey. Office of the Governor | Governor Murphy Unveils "Strengthening Youth Mental Health" Initiative as National Governors Association Chairman. (2022, July 15). Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562022/20220715a.shtml 

Warning Signs of Suicide. National Institute of Mental Health - Suicide Prevention . (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide/Warning_Signs_of_Suicide.pdf

Emily Kostick, MSW Intern