Stephen opens up about why he wrote Her Cold Hands…
This audio clip is an excerpt from his interview with Operation Encore. Listen to the full interview here.
What causes suicidal thoughts?
Suicide is incredibly complicated, but there are a few factors that have been shown to significantly contribute to suicidal attempts. Some notable risk factors include depression, substance abuse, domestic or sexual violence, financial hardship, family history of mental trauma, access to firearms, and exposure to suicidal behavior.
What are the signs?
Someone considering suicide might talk about feeling lonely, trapped, guilt or shame, hopelessness, or wanting to die. Suicidal thoughts can also lead to increased alcohol or substance abuse, sudden and severe mood swings, and extreme or risky behavior that may endanger their life. Some more subtle indicators could be changes in eating habits and withdrawn social behaviors, or the act of giving away personal belongings.
What can you do?
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, talk to someone you trust or contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline via phone 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text ‘HELLO’ to 741741. All calls are confidential and can help you find the support you need.
If you are concerned that someone you know may be considering suicide, ask them “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” This simple step shows them that you care and will support them through this difficult time.
Locate and remove any firearms or other lethal means that may be available. Sometimes asking, “Do you have a plan?” can help identify the most imminent dangers and make a big difference.
Most importantly, listening and talking about suicide has been shown to reduce suicidal thoughts. If you do not feel comfortable engaging in those conversations you can also help by connecting them to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or by texting ‘HELLO’ to 741741.
For more information, check out the National Institute of Mental Health.
Roughly 1 in 10 people have had suicidal thoughts in the past month.
A recent study by the CDC reported that 10.7% of adults have considered taking their own life in the past month (more than double the amount reported the previous year). That number is even higher in adults age 18-24, who reported a suicidal ideation rate of 25.5% over that same time frame. In 2018, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.
In the news.
Fox News
“The enemy could never break him, but what this decorated Green Beret eventually found was that his enemy was within.”
The Baltimore Sun (Maryland)
"Depression is treatable, and treatment is available.”
KXAN (Texas)
“Texas Suicide Prevention says asking a friend or family directly if they’ve ever thought of suicide lets them know you take their situation seriously and want to help.”
WBNS (Ohio)
“It's a heartbreaking question to a father: How do you want him to be remembered?”
The Detroit News (Michigan)
“As the second leading cause of death among 10- to 34-year-olds nationally, suicide has been an ongoing public health crisis everywhere.”
ABC News
“With help comes hope. I think that there are people and organizations out there that you can contact that can get you the information you need and resources you need to get you through this tough time.”
