We Can’t Promise Zero Suicide, but These 4 Actions Will Save Lives

Is Zero Suicide Achievable?

I still remember the moment I first heard someone say, “Zero suicide should be the goal.” It was powerful, even hopeful. But I couldn’t help thinking, “How do you account for all the variables?” Because suicide isn’t the result of just one thing; it’s a web of emotions, circumstances, biology, and moments of despair, which is often exacerbated by substances like alcohol or hallucinogens. Approximately 22% of suicides involve individuals with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above the legal limit. Additionally, about 20% of suicides involve opioids, 10.2% involve marijuana, 4.6% involve cocaine, and 3.4% involve amphetamines.

Some of these factors are deeply ingrained, like a predisposition to depression or anxiety. Others are sudden and situational, like a breakup, a devastating loss, or a failed exam. And sometimes, it’s the slow, grinding weight of stress, expectations, and loneliness that makes someone feel like there’s no way out.

Can we really promise zero suicide? Probably not. But what we ‘can’ do is focus on the factors we can change, the things that could make the difference between a life saved and a tragedy.

1. Teach Emotional Intelligence: Building Resilience Early

Picture this: a 16-year-old sitting in their room after failing a major test. It’s not just about the test; it’s the fear of disappointing their parents, the embarrassment of telling their friends, and the shame of falling short. Now imagine they’ve been taught to self-regulate, to recognize these feelings as temporary, and to ask for help. That’s the power of emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is about understanding and managing emotions. It helps us process loss, handle conflict, and communicate our needs. When we teach EQ in schools and homes, we give people tools to navigate stress and adversity.

But the reality is, EQ isn’t part of most curriculums. We focus on academics, not on teaching kids how to process feelings of failure or sadness. And yet, these skills are the foundation for resilience. The thing that keeps someone grounded in the face of life’s inevitable storms.

2. Address Mental Health Pathology Early and Often

Some struggles aren’t just about learning how to cope, they’re about deeper issues, like depression, addiction, or anxiety. These aren’t things you can simply “push through,” and they’re not weaknesses. They’re rooted in biology and require real, consistent care.

I’ve seen this firsthand. People close to me have wrestled with mental health conditions that felt insurmountable until they finally got the right diagnosis and treatment. But getting there wasn’t easy. Stigma kept them from seeking help for years, and even when they did, navigating the mental health system felt like climbing Everest.

If we want to reduce suicide rates, we have to break this cycle. That means normalizing mental health care, offering free or low-cost access, and making therapy as routine as a check-up. It also means investing in early intervention. It starts with catching signs of depression and anxiety before they spiral.

3. Acknowledge Environmental Contributors to Stress

Not all mental health struggles come from within. Sometimes, it’s the world around us. The unrelenting grind of work, the pressures of school, or the isolation of modern life.

Think about a university student trying to keep up with exams worth 50% of their grade, juggling part-time jobs, and navigating an increasingly competitive and unforgiving world. Now imagine they’ve spent the past few years in online classes, disconnected from friends, and feeling unprepared for the weight of everything.

Environmental stressors like this aren’t just hard; they’re deadly when combined with existing vulnerabilities. Addressing these stressors means changing the systems that exacerbate them: reevaluating academic pressures, supporting work-life balance, and prioritizing mental health in policy and practice.

4. Be There for the Situational Crises

Some of the most heartbreaking suicides happen in the wake of a single, acute event. It could be a breakup, a failed exam, or losing a loved one. These moments can trigger impulsive decisions if someone feels like they’ve run out of options.

One of the most important things we can do is recognize when someone is in crisis and act quickly. This doesn’t just mean calling a hotline. It means being present, offering support, and connecting them with professional help if needed.

I’ll never forget a story I heard about a young woman who nearly ended her life after a breakup. She said later that a single friend showing up at her door that night saved her. By morning, she could work through the pain and heartache and realize she wanted to experience life. Time with context can change everything. Sometimes, it’s as simple as being there at the right moment.

Like Teaching Your Emotions How to Swim

Would you let your child drown before teaching them to swim? Of course not. With swimming, the stakes are immediate, and you only get one chance.

Mental health works the same way. People suppress their struggles, believing they can handle them later, but waiting often worsens things. Teaching emotional resilience and self-awareness before a crisis is like teaching your child to swim. It prepares them to navigate challenges safely.

Prevention isn’t just avoiding disaster; it’s equipping ourselves and our loved ones with the tools to thrive. Don’t wait for the breaking point. Start now.

Can We Really Promise Zero Suicide?

The idea of zero suicide is noble, but it risks oversimplifying the complexity of what drives someone to take their own life. It’s not just about preventing a moment of despair; it’s about addressing the lifelong factors: emotional, biological, environmental, and situational elements that contribute to it.

While zero suicide may never be fully attainable, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive to save every life we can. We can make real progress by teaching emotional intelligence, improving access to mental health care, reducing environmental stressors, and supporting those in crisis.

A Final Thought

Suicide prevention isn’t about solving everything perfectly. It’s about showing up, step by step, to create a world where fewer people feel like they have no way out. Whether you’re a parent, a friend, a teacher, or someone struggling yourself, there’s a role you can play in this.

We can’t promise zero suicide, but we can promise to keep trying. And sometimes, that’s enough for today.