New Insights into Suicide Prevention Strategies

Recent research is offering practical insights into suicide prevention, emphasizing the importance of small joys during a crisis. Professor Philip Resnik from the University of Maryland’s Institute of Advanced Computer Studies initiated this study following a public Reddit post. The post sought responses from ‘formerly suicidal’ individuals about what helped them survive difficult times. Thousands of replies provided a rich data source for analysis.

Resnik highlighted the value of this data, stating, “I realized that not only was this a really remarkable set of people’s stories, but it was potentially an important source of data that we might be able to analyze and help people.” Together with a team, he analyzed over 16,000 responses, identifying four key themes that positively impacted individuals contemplating suicide.

The first theme was concern for others, which includes not wanting to harm loved ones or the responsibility of caring for beloved pets. Another identified theme was the appreciation of sensory pleasures or distractions, such as watching TV shows, playing video games, and listening to music.

I think one of the most interesting things that came out of this was small things can actually have a big effect, said Resnik, whose findings were published in Scientific Reports.

Another category was positive foresight, which involves a forward-looking perspective. This includes recognizing that situations might improve in time or finding hope through religious or philosophical beliefs. The fourth theme was negative emotions like fear or anger. These can also play a role in triggering survival instincts.

Psychologist Rebecca Resnik, who worked with her husband on the project, noted the power of these findings. “This is actually something powerful, and in our minds as clinicians, we might miss this,” she stated. She believes these insights will enhance clinical practice. “I now have a much better sense when I’m doing a risk analysis to pay very close attention to your relationship with your pet or the fact that you’re looking forward to going to prom,” she explained.

Dese’Rae Stage, a therapist and suicide survivor, agrees that there’s much more to be done in suicide prevention. Stage founded the ‘Live Through This’ project 15 years ago, capturing stories from those who survived suicide attempts. She recalls, “We definitely were not talking about suicide in any meaningful way back then.”

Stage believes that the new research can play a role in crisis training for care providers. “We do always want to be leading people back to, ‘What do you have to live for?’ Even if it’s the tiniest thing,” she said. ‘What’s gonna get you through this next moment?’

For Stage, her two children and her passion for music and concerts are key motivators. “I keep a list of things that I want to stay alive for and things to look forward to,” she shared, emphasizing the power of small joys as a lifeline.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting “988.”