Last year, nearly 49,300 Americans died by suicide, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 13 million adults seriously considered suicide.
Mental health experts say one of the biggest warning signs isn’t always what people say: It may be what they stop saying.
Every day people go to work. They smile. They tell everyone, “I’m fine.” But inside, they may believe the people they love would be better off without them.
“They’re not saying anything. And what we know is that this actually compounds those feelings, their sense of disconnection and makes things worse,” said Colette Fehr, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
For many people, the silence isn’t about not wanting help. It’s about believing they don’t deserve it.
They worry they’re a burden. They often hide their pain; they may say they’re “fine,” or act like everything is OK even when they’re struggling inside.
“Culturally, expectations that a lot of people grow up that if you’re sharing what you’re going through, you’re burdening people. Some people feel shame around admitting what they’re feeling,” explained Fehr.
That sense of shame and disconnection can increase suicide risk. The CDC lists feeling like a burden as one of the warning signs that someone may need help.
So how do you reach someone who doesn’t want to reach out? Experts say don’t try to fix everything.
Instead, simply show up, invite them to take a walk, grab a cup of coffee, share a meal. Sometimes the simple act of being present can help someone feel less alone.
You don’t have to have all the answers. Listening may be the most important thing you can do because you may never know what someone is carrying, but reminding them they matter could make all the difference.
Mental health experts say one of the most important things you can do is listen more than you talk. Try to resist the urge to immediately offer advice or compare their experience to your own.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime.
Here is a list of mental health resources available in Florida.
- UF Health St. Johns Behavioral Health Resource Center - open 24/7 with clinicians on staff and available to assist during a crisis. No appointment is needed.
- EPIC Behavioral Health Rapid Response Team – 24/7 service for individuals 26+, dial 988, and a response will occur within 60 minutes of the request.
- EPIC Access Support Center – Walk-in services for mental health at their North Campus, Northwest Campus, and Flagler Campus. If this service is needed, walk-in during hours or call (904) 495-7001.
- Mobile Response Team – 24/7 service for individuals 5-25 years old. Dial 988 or 911 and a response will occur within 60 minutes of the request.
- Vinson Foundation - A support group for St. Johns, Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, and Orange Park, for families who lost someone to suicide.
- St. Augustine Youth Services: 904-829-1770
- Call 211 - Local experts are available 24/7 to help. Calls to 211 are confidential and can be anonymous.
- Hope for Healing Florida - Hope for Healing navigates the many ways Floridians can access help for mental health and substance abuse
These resources can be accessed nationwide.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Call or text 988 for help. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or someone you know.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides resources for issues with mental health, drugs, or alcohol.
- Veterans Crisis Line - Text 838255 or call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
- Crisis Text Line - Text “Home” to 741741
- Teen Line - Text “Teen” to 839863