September is National Suicide Prevention Month: Suicide and Eating Disorders
September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about suicide and fostering open dialogue on a subject that can be challenging to discuss. This month is an opportunity to engage in and encourage conversations about the importance of mental health, suicide prevention, and the need for comprehensive support.
Discussions about suicide prevention often center around immediate intervention strategies. It’s critical that we not only focus on direct prevention efforts but also on addressing underlying mental health conditions and complex factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, such as eating disorders.
The Intersection of Suicidal Ideation and Eating Disorders
Eating disorders can be characterized by varying disordered thoughts and behaviors surrounding food. These disorders often co-occur with other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse, further complicating the clinical picture and increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Anorexia nervosa is associated with a notably high suicide rate, making suicide the second leading cause of death among individuals with this disorder. Similarly, research highlights that individuals with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder also face elevated risks of suicidal behaviors (April R Smith, Kelly L Zuromski, Dorian R Dodd).
The profound emotional distress experienced by individuals with eating disorders often includes feelings of worthlessness, shame, and isolation. This emotional turmoil can exacerbate suicidal ideation, as the relentless focus on food and body image creates a pervasive sense of hopelessness. The stigma and secrecy surrounding eating disorders can further isolate individuals, making it difficult for them to seek help or share their struggles.
Crisis Help is Available at 988
September is also an appropriate time to share that the 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, offering crisis intervention and prevention resources. It also delivers best practices and guidance for professionals throughout the United States, helping them to better support their clients in managing mental health challenges.
At Monte Nido, we extend our deepest gratitude to mental health professionals across the country for their lifesaving support and compassion. We cannot overstate the importance of understanding the complexities surrounding suicide and fostering environments where individuals feel safe seeking help.
Addressing eating disorders within the context of Suicide Prevention Month emphasizes the need for comprehensive mental health care and integrated approaches to treatment that tackle both eating disorders and suicidal tendencies. Suicide Prevention Month underscores the importance of a holistic approach to mental health that supports individuals in their journey toward recovery.
Monte Nido is here should you or someone you love need help. With in-person programs in 14 states and virtual options in 28 states, our compassionate team is ready to provide the support they need. To connect with a member of our admissions team, click here.
Danielle Small, LMFT, CEDS-C is a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified eating disorder specialist consultant with extensive experience in the treatment of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, ARFID, and compulsive over-exercise. Danielle has been a member of the Monte Nido team since 2013, working at multiple sites and all levels of care on both coasts. She was previously Clinical Director at Monte Nido’s Eating Disorder Center of Boston until taking on the role of Clinical Director at Monte Nido’s Clementine Adolescent Eating Disorder Treatment Center, in Briarcliff Manor, New York. She then became Regional Director of Clinical Operations for the Northeast, overseeing all clinical programming and operations for the Residential and Day Treatment programs in the region. Danielle is currently Vice-President of Clinical Services working with all of Monte Nido’s teams nationwide.