Suicide Prevention 2023
What Is Suicide?
Suicide is deliberate life-ending, often tied to mental health or life stressors. Underlying factors usually exist. Everyone's vulnerable; certain factors heighten risk. Know signs, risks, and treatments to aid those considering suicide.
Use sensitive language when discussing suicide and attempts, avoiding negative terms.
Risks
Genetic predisposition, coupled with stressors like financial difficulties, trauma, and mental illness, can increase the risk of suicide by causing significant distress and disrupting the body and mind's ability to cope with stress.
While anyone can be vulnerable, certain characteristics distinguish those at higher risk:
· Men are three times more likely to die by suicide compared to women.
· Individuals with depression, substance use disorders, and psychosis face elevated risks.
· Suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among people aged 20 to 40.
· People grappling with terminal or life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer, face increased suicide risks, which tend to rise with age.
It is a misconception that once someone desires death, it is impossible to prevent. Effective treatments exist to help individuals avoid suicide, and many just need to be aware of the available options and find support from willing individuals.
Signs
Identifying signs of suicidal thoughts can be challenging. Some individuals may isolate themselves, hide their emotions, or pretend everything is fine despite their struggles. Therefore, even if someone appears okay or denies being suicidal, they could still be at risk.
Signs that may indicate someone is suicidal include:
· Excessive silence.
· Withdrawing from loved ones.
· Avoiding physical or eye contact.
· Fatigue.
· Irritability.
· Angry outbursts.
· Engaging in unusual behaviour that could be related to practicing suicide.
· Sometimes, individuals may talk about suicide in a manner that seems like a joke or not serious. It is crucial to pay attention to any mention of suicide or death, even if the person appears jovial or makes light of it.
A study found 75% of suicides involved no prior mental health professional help. Recognizing potential risk signs is vital. Suicidal individuals might struggle to express themselves due to words or feeling burdensome. Take all signs of suicidal thoughts or behavioral changes seriously.
Remember, not all suicidal individuals desire death; they want relief from pain and feeling trapped.
Warning Signs
Immediate warning signs of someone being at risk for attempting suicide include:
· Expressing a desire to die or kill themselves.
· Feeling empty, hopeless, or having no purpose in life.
· Feeling trapped with no solutions.
· Experiencing unbearable emotional or physical pain.
· Expressing a sense of being a burden to others.
· Withdrawing from loved ones.
· Giving away important belongings.
· Saying goodbye to friends and family.
· Organizing personal affairs, such as making a will.
· Engaging in high-risk behaviours that could result in death.
· Frequently discussing or contemplating death.
Additional serious warning signs indicating suicide risk include:
· Drastic mood swings, shifting abruptly from extreme sadness to calmness or happiness.
· Developing a plan or actively seeking methods to carry out suicide, such as researching lethal means, stockpiling medications, or acquiring weapons.
· Expressing intense feelings of guilt or shame.
· Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
· Exhibiting anxiety or agitation.
· Changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
· Demonstrating rage or expressing thoughts of revenge.
It is essential to understand that suicide is not a typical response to stress. Suicidal thoughts or actions indicate extreme distress and should never be ignored. If you or someone you know exhibits these warning signs, seek help immediately, particularly if the behaviours are new or have escalated recently.
Ways to deal with suicidal thoughts
1. Assess if your thoughts are passive or active suicidal ideations. Passive thoughts involve wishing to not wake up tomorrow, while active thoughts include a desire and plan to end your life.
2. Seek appropriate help based on the nature of your thoughts. For passive thoughts, consult a mental health care provider experienced in treating mood disorders. For active thoughts with a plan and self-harm risk, urgently seek evaluation and treatment, possibly at the emergency room.
3. Develop a safety plan for dealing with distress and escalating suicidal thoughts. This plan should include various coping strategies and steps to take in case of intensifying thoughts.
4. Avoid substances and activities that may worsen distress, such as alcohol and drugs. Stay away from triggers that can exacerbate negative emotions and consider sharing your feelings with others for support.
5. Ensure your home is a safe environment, especially if you have a history of suicidal thoughts. Remove any items that could be used for self-harm and seek help from loved ones if needed.
6. Don't hesitate to reach out to crisis intervention helplines. These services are there to save lives and provide non-judgmental support in times of crisis.
Preventive Treatment
Immediate intervention is vital for those at risk of self-harm. Collaborating with a licensed mental health professional is crucial for prevention and treatment. Plans are tailored to individual needs, including diagnoses. Selecting the right therapist is key for effective help. Alongside professional support, home safety measures like securing items and limiting access aid in reducing immediate risks.
Conversing with a suicidal person is helpful. Asking about feelings, offering support, and fostering a safe space encourage open dialogue. Using direct language promotes honest communication about challenging topics. Remember, listening supports but doesn't replace professional help. Inquiring about suicide doesn't worsen risk; in fact, it often brings relief.
