The Importance of Suicide Prevention Among the Eating Disorder Population
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to shine an important light on mental health issues and raise awareness about suicide prevention. Unfortunately, suicide and eating disorders go hand-in-hand: Suicide is the most common cause of death for individuals with eating disorders, and eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric disorders.
The Link Between Eating Disorders and Suicide
Nearly 90 percent of people struggling with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder are also suffering from depression and other mental health issues. They often strive for perfection but never feel good enough. Their fixation with their weight and body image may lead to feelings of unworthiness and hopelessness. They may be malnourished and have a false sense of reality because they’re not thinking clearly.
Studies have shown that individuals with anorexia have the highest rate of completed suicide, while those with bulimia have the highest rate of suicide attempts. For anorexics, there is an increased risk of suicide attempts in people who are older, low in weight, and/or struggle with substance abuse. For bulimics, there is an increased risk for suicide attempts in those who have a history of physical or sexual abuse and/or have another psychiatric diagnosis.
If you’re concerned that a loved one may be contemplating suicide, here are some warning signs to consider:
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
Withdrawing from others
Sleeping too little or too much
Experiencing extreme mood swings, particularly related to rage
Preoccupation with death
Giving away prized possessions
saying goodbye to friends and family
Talking about having no reason to live or wanting to die
Most importantly, follow your instincts. If you believe that something has changed or isn’t right with their mindset, it probably isn’t.
Six Life-Saving Steps for Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention Lifeline recommends taking the following six steps in an effort to prevent suicide:
Ask: Findings suggest that acknowledging their struggles and asking about suicide decreases suicidal ideation.
Be There: After talking to someone who cares, suicidal individuals are less likely to feel depressed, overwhelmed, and hopeless.
Keep Them Safe: Remove any lethal weapons or drug supplies.
Help Them Stay Connected: Develop a network of resources and loved ones to provide support and safety throughout each day.
Follow Up: Studies reveal that ongoing contact and even intervention may be an important piece of suicide prevention, particularly for individuals leaving a hospital or care service.
Learn More: Reach out to mental health professionals for further guidance. Or check out online resources, like BeThe1To.com, for more information.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder and/or having suicidal thoughts, please get help immediately. Call 911 for a psychiatric emergency. To schedule an appointment and begin eating disorder treatment, reach out to our team at The Kahm Clinic.