Category: Cooperative Extension
Spotting the Signs & Having the Talk - Suicide Prevention Month
September 10, 2026 Written by: Jennifer Seabrook-Scott, Health & Well-Being Extension Agent
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Delaware recorded 145 deaths by suicide in 2024. Past state health surveys indicate that roughly 11.2% of Delaware adults and 14.2% of adolescents (ages 12–17) have experienced suicidal ideation in a given recent 12-month tracking period. Fortunately, the American Psychological Association reports approximately 80% of people who attempt suicide show warning signs beforehand.
Warning Signs:
- Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide
- Thinking there is no safe way out of a bad situation
- Lack of sleep or sleeping all the time
- Threatening to hurt or kill themselves
- Showing agitation or anxiety
- Seeking for ways to kill themselves
- Feeling there is no reason for living or sense of purpose
Many believe that talking about suicide will plant the idea of suicide in a person’s mind. This is a myth. Extensive research by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Mayo Clinic shows talking about it has the opposite effect. Talking about suicide safely and directly reduces suicidal risk, reduces isolation, provides emotional relief, disrupts impulsive actions, and builds a bridge to professional support.
How to Have the Talk:
Be Direct: Calmly ask, Ask “Are you thinking about suicide?” Face-to-face contact is the best approach to read body language and share genuine emotion. For those intimidated by direct eye contact, taking a walk or sitting side by side may be the best approach.
Listen Non-Judgmentally: Stay away from saying things that cause the individual to feel ashamed or embarrassed. Listen with empathy, do not interrupt, and acknowledge their pain without trying to “fix” them.
Reassure Them: Let them know they are not alone, it’s ok to not feel ok, and that you want to provide support.
Connect to Resources
For immediate intervention, CALL or TEXT 988, the suicide and crisis hotline.