Suicide Prevention: Is There Really Anything You Can Do?

You have a friend or family member whose behavior and moods concern you. You worry that they seem troubled or unhappy or they are acting “differently” than they normally behave. You worry they might be considering harming themselves. What can you do?

“Suicide is preventable,” says Dr. Seema Sehgal, a psychiatrist with Washington Health Medical Group. “Knowing the warning signs can save lives. It’s essential to recognize the risk factors, offer support, and access the resources in your community that can help.”

Dr. Sehgal will discuss suicide prevention at a Sept. 24, Washington Health seminar, “Suicide Prevention: Awareness, Support, and Hope.”The 5 p.m. Health & Wellness seminar can be accessed through Facebook.com/WashingtonHealth1 or YouTube.com/@Washington_Health.

Don’t be afraid to ask, “Are you feeling suicidal?” if you see what you consider to be warning signs. Dr. Sehgal continues, “It’s very hard to turn the tide once someone gets to a crisis stage, so it’s much better to intervene when you first become concerned.”

Dr. Sehgal will explain warning signs and risk factors for suicide. “Risk factors are modifiable behaviors showing an individual is at a higher risk; warning signs indicate a crisis has begun.”

Risk factors include such things as medical issues, bullying/ harassment/relationship problems at school or social factors, among other risks. Warning signs are mood changes, behavior changes, and alarming comments, such as: “I wish I were dead,” “I’m feeling hopeless,” or “I have no reason to live.”

Suicide is the 11^th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2025 approximately 49,316 Americans died by suicide, equating to about one death every 11 minutes. In California, 4,148 suicides were reported. “These statistics are misleading,” Dr. Sehgal stresses. “Many suicides are reported as accidental deaths. The reported numbers may be only the tip of the iceberg.”

In some communities, cultural mores work against admitting depression and other mood changes. “Suicide in the Asian community is very stigmatized — even here in the United States,” Dr. Sehgal says. This makes it all the more difficult for troubled individuals to seek help and for friends and family members to address the difficult questions. These taboos obscure the issue and hide the problem. People who need help won’t reach out for it.

Dr. Sehgal also will discuss the common myths about suicide such as:

• If someone talks about suicide, they don’t need to be taken seriously (FALSE).
• If someone decides to take their own life, there’s nothing we can do to stop them (FALSE).

She will explain how to talk about suicide with the person you are concerned about. In her presentation, Dr. Sehgal will also explore basic intervention skills to use with suicidal behavior, and list helpful community resources.

Understanding what to do, (and what not to do), is essential in dealing with someone who says they are feeling suicidal. Dr. Sehgal cautions, “Don’t minimize their feelings by saying, for example, ‘You’ll get over it.’ Don’t argue or lecture. Don’t take their comments lightly. Do get help as soon as possible. Listen without judgement. And if the behavior you’re observing is concerning, don’t be put off or hesitate to act. Call 911 if you think there’s a clear risk of suicide. Help is available; use it.”

Following the Sept. 24 presentation, Suicide Prevention: Awareness, Support, and Hope will be added to other videos featuring Dr. Sehgal on YouTube.com/@Washington_Health.