Suicide Is Preventable: International Suicide Prevention Day

In August, the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine filed a lawsuit against ChatGPT’s parent company, OpenAI, and CEO Sam Altman. The parents argued that ChatGPT contributed to their son’s suicide, including by advising him on methods and offering to write the first draft of his suicide note. Adam had been using ChatGPT for the past six months for regular purposes such as academic help and exploring hobbies.

However, over the months, the conversation's trajectory shifted into his inner, dark thoughts. The complaint stated that by January, Adam was talking with ChatGPT about the different methods of suicide, and the AI offered him detailed instructions on things like overdoses, drowning, and carbon monoxide poisoning. Their lawyer, Meetali Jain, stated that Adam mentioned the word "suicide" around 200 times in his chats, while ChatGPT used it more than 1,200 times in replies. ChatGPT raised itself from the role of chatbot to a close confidant, distancing Adam from his family and friends and unconsciously steering suicidal thoughts in him.

Chatbot-related suicides are not a new phenomenon; it has become a very common tragedy of the modern world. Last year, the family of a 14-year-old boy, Sewell Setzer III, filed a lawsuit against Character.AI, claiming that it led to the suicide of their son.

September 10 is recognized worldwide as International Suicide Prevention Day. Established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), this day aims to raise global awareness about suicide prevention and to promote worldwide commitment and action to reduce suicides. Life is precious, and we are all equally responsible for ensuring that humans live to the fullest. The World Health Organization released a report titled Suicide Worldwide in 2021: Global Health, which estimates that about 727,000 people died by suicide worldwide in 2021. Studies reveal that men die by suicide at more than twice the rate of women globally. Suicide is particularly prominent among young people aged 15–29, marking its place as the third leading cause of death.

In the United States alone, there were over 49,000 suicide deaths in 2023, which means a death every 11 minutes. These numbers are alarming, blaring signals that prevention of suicide is a necessity of the modern world. While suicide ranks as one of the top reasons for mortality, especially premature mortality, it is important to note that suicides are preventable. The right intervention at the right time can save millions of lives around the globe. International suicide prevention day is a powerful reminder that suicide is preventable.

Suicide Risk Factors

Suicide risk is influenced by multiple factors, such as:

• Mental illnesses like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia

• Substance abuse and addiction

• Chronic physical illness or pain

• Experiences of trauma or painful loss, such as the death of a loved one

• Repeated exposure to violence or abuse of any sort

• Social isolation or lack of support

The Role of AI in Suicide Prevention

The advent of AI has brought significant benefits to humanity, but at the same time, it poses dangers and must be used with care and knowledge. In today’s world, many youngsters depend on various AI tools for their needs, and it is essential to educate them on the appropriate use of these tools. Students are likely to build negative emotional attachments to AI chatbots, leading to consequences such as distancing from family and friends or psychosis (Psychosis is increasingly associated with elevated risk of suicide). Developments are being made to build AI tools for early and accurate suicide detection as well as compassionate, sensitive bots. While these models are yet to come, it is important to note that-

AI is a technological tool, not a real friend, a real therapist, or a real human.

AI cannot and should not be the go-to solution for all the human problems you face.

Warning Signs of Suicide

People who are contemplating suicide or have suicidal thoughts may show a range of emotional, verbal, and behavioral signs. These warning signs can vary between individuals but often include:

Verbal Signals

• Repeated talks on death, dying, or wanting to kill oneself

• Expressing feelings of hopelessness, wanting to escape, or having no reason to live

• Revealing their inner beliefs about being a burden to others

• Mentioning unbearable emotional or physical pain

• Statements such as "I wish I hadn't been born" or saying goodbye to loved ones as if they won’t be seen again

Behavioral Changes

• Social isolation and lack of interest in social activities

• Giving away prized possessions or getting affairs in order

• Planning for the attempt, such as buying a weapon or stockpiling pills

• Extreme mood swings or sudden calm after a period of depression

• Increasing substance abuse

• Changes in sleep and eating patterns (either more or less)

• Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors like reckless driving

• Sudden decrease in personal hygiene or care

Emotional Changes

• Persistent sadness or depression

• Agitation, anxiety, irritability, or anger

• Displaying extreme mood swings or relief (which can indicate a decision to attempt suicide)

• Feeling worthless, ashamed, or guilty

If you notice someone demonstrating these symptoms (some, not all of them), they need help. If someone is showing signs of suicide risk, you should:

• Encourage open, non-judgmental conversation and ask directly about their feelings and suicidal thoughts.

• Let them know that help is available and you are there to support them.

• Remove or limit access to means of suicide.

• Seek professional mental health resources such as counselors, therapists, or crisis lines (e.g., emergency number 112 and state-specific hotline numbers)

• In emergencies or at hand risk, contact emergency medical services immediately.

Koott provides counselling sessions thorugh online targeted towards suicide prevention. We are not AI providing random or inappropriate solutions to inner struggles and conflicts. We’re real humans, ready to save other humans. Koott is aimed at saving every single life, because we believe that,

YOU MATTER.

YOUR LIFE MATTERS.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Koott is there with you at every step.

Book your session today.

FAQs

1. What is the theme of World Suicide Prevention Day?

A. The theme for 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, which focuses on shifting from suffering in silence towards embracing openness, empathy, support, and systemic change in public health and mental health care.

2. Which color is used to represent Suicide Prevention Day? 

A. Yellow ribbon is used to represent Suicide Prevention Day because it symbolizes hope, light, and solidarity for those affected by suicide and mental health struggles. 

3. Can suicide be prevented?

A. Yes, suicide can be prevented through compassion, support and appropriate interventions at the right time.