Suicide Prevention Services

Suicide affects people all over the world and each death has far reaching effects. In 2021, 48,183 Americans died by suicide, which is about one death every 11 minutes. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. and 3rd leading cause of death for the young, 15-24 years of age. Suicide is the 14th leading cause of death in Louisiana. It is  the 3rd leading cause of death for ages 10-24 and for ages 25-34 in Louisiana. In Louisiana, 689 people killed themselves in 2021.

It is estimated that there are over 25 suicide attempts for every death by suicide.  For 15-24 year olds, the estimate is 100-200 attempts to each death by suicide; for the elderly, there are 4 attempts for each death by suicide. While 90% of the individuals who attempt suicide do not die by suicide, previous suicide attempts are one of the risk factors for suicide.

It is estimated that for each suicide death, 135 people are exposed. Among those exposed to a suicide death, it is estimated that more than 6 experience a major life disruption. Suicide Loss Survivors are at greater risk for suicide.

In many cases, deaths by suicide can be prevented. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals’ Office of Behavioral Health strives to reduce the number of suicide deaths across the lifespan and to provide early intervention for those individuals identified as being at risk of suicide. OBH encourages Louisiana residents to look for warning signs in people who may be in crisis and encourages individuals in emotional distress to reach out for help as part of the offices’ suicide prevention services.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, substance use and/or suicide crisis, please reach out for help by contacting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.

Click here https://www.ldh.la.gov/page/4490 to learn more about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline,

Click here https://www.ldh.la.gov/page/4190 to learn more about The Louisiana Crisis Response System.

If you or someone you know needs behavioral health services in your area, click here https://www.ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/directory/category/100 for a list of Local Governing Entities located in each region.

In many cases, deaths by suicide can be prevented. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals' Office of Behavioral Health strives to reduce the number of suicide deaths across the lifespan and to provide early intervention for those individuals identified as being at risk of suicide. OBH encourages Louisiana residents to look for warning signs in people who may be in crisis as part of the office's suicide prevention services.

Suicide Warning Signs

If you know someone who is exhibiting any of these signs, reach out and encourage the individual to contact a mental health professional as soon as possible.

  • Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself;
  • Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means;
  • Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person;
  • Feeling hopeless;
  • Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge;
  • Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking;
  • Feeling trapped - like there's no way out;
  • Increasing alcohol or drug use;
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, and society;
  • Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time;
  • Experiencing dramatic mood changes; or
  • Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life.

Individuals who would like to learn more about the behavioral health services toward suicide prevention LDH offers should  look for regional services in their areas.

Resources

Provider Hugging Client