Everyone is susceptible to suicidality. And, unfortunately, disability and suicide are often linked. To better help the individuals you serve in the disability community, it’s crucial to understand how common suicidality is among this population, how to know when someone is experiencing suicidal ideation, and how to help them through difficult times.
Understanding the link between disability and suicide
The link between disability and suicide is multifaceted. Those living with disabilities have a higher risk of suicidal ideation or death by suicide than the general population. Studies have also found that the more limitations a person lives with, the higher their risk for suicidality.
Additionally, research has shown that those with cognitive or intellectual disabilities tend to experience suicidal ideation and suicide attempts more than those with other forms of disability.
The contributing factors that lead to suicidality among individuals with disabilities are still not entirely understood. It does seem, however, that mental distress could be a large one. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has found that 33% of those with disabilities experience mental distress, while just 7% of the general population experiences mental distress. This means the rates of mental distress are 4.6 times higher among people with disabilities than the general population.
To understand how to help your clients when they express suicidal ideation, it’s important to know the warning signs. These signs apply to everyone, not just those with disabilities, and should be a crucial part of preventative healthcare.
Warning signs and how to respond
The warning signs of suicide and suicidal ideation among those with disabilities are the same as among any other population. While all the signs of suicidal ideation may or may not be present in any given individual, it’s important to keep them all in mind. We should note, however, that the more warnings signs that are present, the more concerning they become.
The American Association of Suicidology lists the following as key warning signs:
- Statements or threats to harm or kill themselves
- Talking or writing about wanting to die
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as obtaining a gun
- Increasing their use of alcohol or substances
- Behaving recklessly
- Stating they feel trapped
- Reporting they feel hopeless
- Reporting no reason to live
- Agitated, highly distressed, or angry
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Displaying clear mood changes
- Sleeping too much or too little
If someone is displaying one or more of these signs, you should recommend them for a more in-depth suicide assessment. For individuals at risk of suicide, especially those with disabilities, it is necessary to ensure they can get needed support regularly. Seeking the support of supervisors and other advanced clinical staff is essential when managing individuals at risk for suicide.
Best practices for suicide prevention for individuals with disabilities
When it comes to addressing disability and suicide, established suicide prevention strategies remain critical — especially reducing access to lethal means. However, there’s a growing need for more inclusive and proactive approaches tailored to the unique needs of people with disabilities.
For organizations providing primary care, it’s essential that healthcare professionals — including nurses and physicians — receive training to recognize signs of suicidal ideation, particularly in patients with co-occurring disabilities. This includes knowing how to respond sensitively and effectively to individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
Expanding access to telehealth is another powerful tool in suicide prevention. Telehealth reduces stigma, enhances privacy, and ensures continuity of care — all crucial for individuals with disabilities who may face physical, sensory, or geographic barriers to in-person services. It also supports those in rural or underserved areas where traditional behavioral health services are limited.
Lastly, the nationwide rollout of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, fully operational since July 2022, offers a more direct and accessible pathway to support. People experiencing a mental health crisis — including those with disabilities — can dial 988 to quickly connect with trained counselors and local resources.
Behavioral Health Crisis Management Training Report
Our 2024 Behavioral Health Crisis Management Training Report, featuring responses from nearly 9,000 behavioral health providers across the United States, uncovers significant industry trends.
Behavioral health leaders can use this data to inform their organization’s learning and development programs. By leveraging these insights, organizations can enhance their staff’s ability to mitigate crisis situations effectively through comprehensive crisis management training.
Download report →
