Bio-One is built on the mission of helping people. We are here to build safer and healthier communities through our cleaning services.
In service of that cause, we often undertake clean-up jobs that are too physically or emotionally difficult for the average person to take on—such as the aftermath of a suicide.
As we help families and communities recover from the unthinkable, we have become intimately familiar with the trauma and heartache these situations bring.
Compassion. Experience. Respect.
We would be among the first to rejoice if we were never to receive another suicide cleanup call again.
The loss of a loved one to suicide is one of the worst experiences a person can go through.
Though we cannot turn back the clock, Bio-One is here to help during this overwhelming time.
Even so, as a company that largely focuses on the aftermath of these events, we feel it is our responsibility to promote suicide education and prevention as well.
Our Goal with This Guide Is Fourfold:
Help families know what to do when a suicide occurs
Offer resources for those who may be struggling with their own thoughts of suicide
Teach people to notice and recognize the warning signs of suicide before it happens
Provide resources to those impacted by suicide so they can better manage the situation
Suicide is a difficult topic to discuss—one that can be painful and hard to navigate for everyone impacted. We hope this resource can serve as a support no matter your situation. In this book you will find:
Suicide Facts and Statistics
What to Do if Someone You Love Needs Help
Steps if You’re Feeling Suicidal and Need Help
What to Do When a Suicide Happens
Coping With a Loved One’s Suicide
Suicide Postvention and Recovery
PART 1
Suicide Facts and Statistics
Suicide is an incredibly complicated issue. There are an overwhelming number of contributing factors, and it affects every demographic regardless of age, race, or social class.
Factors affecting certain communities may, however, lead to higher suicidal ideation and behavior within those demographics.
Ask for Help
If you are undergoing these risk factors or if you are in crisis, immediately contact any of these resources:
Crisis & Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988
NSPL Online Chat Services*
Crisis Textline: Text “SAVE” to 741741
Third Leading Cause Of Death
In the United States, suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15-24, and it is estimated to claim the lives of 132 Americans every day.
Risk factors are many and varied. They include, but are not limited to:
Mental illness
Abuse
Job loss or severe financial distress
Chronic illness or pain
Relationship loss
Social isolation
Suicide of a friend or family member
Statistics can be misleading on which demographics are most at risk of suicide.
Among the highest-risk groups, teenagers and young adults are almost twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts.
However, because of the social stigma that prevents males from seeking help with suicidal thoughts, they make up the most suicide attempts.
Suicide attempts among teenagers or young adults rise significantly if they’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
It rises even more if those members lack family or community support.
With supportive family or friends around, the risk of suicide in the LGBTQ+ community is greatly reduced.
Overall, in the U.S. there are around 45,000 suicides each year out of 1.1 million yearly suicide attempts.
Organizations that can help:
There are many organizations dedicated to keeping that number on a steady decline, including:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
National Institute of Mental Health
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Indian Health Service
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Overwhelmingly, the best means of early suicide prevention are:
When the victim recognizes they are in distress and reaches out for help.
When loved ones take notice of worrying behaviors and take steps to intervene and provide support for the victim.
These methods are not guaranteed, and there is still a very long way to go in managing this complex and serious public health issue, but education and awareness are an important first step.
No matter how overwhelming it may feel, intervention is effective, and the more we continue to do so, the more lives will be saved.
If you or a loved one are currently struggling with thoughts of self-harm, please—
Stop right now and dial 988 on your phone, or text HOME to 741-741 to speak with a crisis counselor.
