December 02, 2025
For the past few years, there has been a lot of focus on the mental health of children and adults, and most of the news hasn’t been good. However, a recent study is giving us a reason to be hopeful.
According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, American teens are experiencing fewer suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Whether that’s due to reduced stigma around mental health, celebrities sharing their mental health journeys, increased access to online mental health resources, or other factors, it’s a step in the right direction.
Suicide is a public health crisis that impacts everyone. In 2024, nearly 14.3 million adults reported having serious thoughts of suicide, with 2.2 million adults attempting suicide in the past year.
People at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors include:
• Middle-aged men
• Young Black men
• Veterans
• Adults older than 75 years of age
• Members of the LGBTQIA+ community
• Native American/First Nation populations
• Non-Hispanic white individuals
• People who have disabilities
• Individuals who self-identify as perfectionists
Lots of factors can trigger a suicidal crisis, including difficulties at work or school, loss of an important relationship, significant health challenges, legal or financial troubles, substance use disorder, and sexual assault or abuse.
If you suspect someone might be struggling with suicidal thoughts, look for the following behaviors:
• Extreme mood swings
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
• Lack of interest in things they used to enjoy
• Decreased social interactions
• Participating in increasingly risky activities
• Feeling worthless, hopeless, or burdensome to others
Dr. Ryan Connolly, senior medical director of behavioral health at Independence Blue Cross (IBX), says that if you notice any of these signs in a friend or loved one, you should talk to them. “People who have suicidal feelings often feel disconnected from others. Showing them you care can disrupt those negative feelings. Using positive, caring “I” statements can help people feel like they matter to someone. For example, “I feel like you might be struggling with something. I want to help, and I’m here to listen.”
Build up to questions like, “Have you thought about suicide?”, “Do you have a plan?”, and “Do you have the means to carry it out?” If the answers to these questions are yes, the situation is serious. Gently remind them that 24/7 support is available through the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988.
According to Dr. Connolly, “Nearly 25% of American adults have a mental health issue like depression or an anxiety disorder. People with mental illness are at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and actions, but there are protective behaviors that can help reduce this risk and foster overall well-being.”
Dr. Connolly suggests adding these behaviors to your regular routine:
The term “survivors of suicide” refers to individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide. The aftermath of such a loss can be devastating. Survivors may struggle with shock, grief, anger, and guilt. They may blame themselves or think they could have done something to prevent it, even though this is not the case.
Older individuals and people with certain cultural or religious beliefs may find it difficult to cope with a loved one’s suicide because of stigma and fear of being judged, so they might hide their pain.
And even when survivors feel like they have processed the loss, mentions of suicide on tv, in movies, or in the news, can be triggering.
If someone you know has been affected by suicide, offer compassionate support. Holidays can be particularly tough for survivors. Giving survivors a safe space to share feelings about their loved one can be comforting. You may want to encourage them to talk with a behavioral health professional, as therapy can also be helpful.
IBX members have access to a network of behavioral health providers. Call our Behavioral Health Care Navigation team at 1-800-688-1911. They can match you with an in-network provider that meets your needs and schedule an appointment in as quickly as 1 – 2 days.
Our members also have access to Brightside Health’s Suicide Prevention Program, a national telehealth program that delivers targeted care for individuals with elevated suicide risk.
If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline toll-free at 988.
For more information about self-care strategies for mental health and where to find help, visit ibx.com/knowyourmind.
This content was originally published on IBX Insights.
