Suicide is a rising trend among people who live in urban situations but how can we prevent it happening to our friends and loved ones?
In this article we discuss about suicide and what we can do to help prevent it.
Usually, the more immediate, informal, and brief forms of assessment that we used when interacting with someone displaying suicide tendency are:
Look for specificity – if the person is going to harm him/herself, how would they do it?
If the answer to this question is specific, risk is higher. If not, it is lower.
Look for lethality – If a specific method is described, would such a method actually be lethal?
If yes, higher risk; if no, lower risk.
Look for access – Does the person have access to whatever tool or method they have described they would use to harm or kill themselves?
If yes, higher risk; if not, lower risk.
Look for proximity to help – If an attempt was made, will it likely happen in a situation in which someone could rescue the person and stop the attempt?
If yes, the risk is lower; if not, higher.
People of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and physical capabilities are at risk for suicide. Suicide affects both the strong and the weak. It can happen to anyone.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), 90 percent of people who die by suicide are experiencing a mental health issue at the time of their deaths.
Depression is one of the most common factors attached to suicidal ideation, but people who experience bipolar tendencies or other mood-altering conditions are also at higher risk.
Psychosis, excessive alcohol consumption, and the use of mind-altering drugs are other factors which can increase impulsivity and heighten the risk of suicide.
Yes, people who are suicidal often do not know how to obtain help and prosecution of attempted suicide is definitely not helpful.
While prolonged suffering is typical in suicide-related cases, it is important to remember that suicidal persons are not always merely trying to escape pain.
Most genuinely believe that there is no good reason to continue living and that the world will be a better place without them.
With suicide rates on the rise, it is important as family members, friends, and therapists that we all be aware of the most common signs of suicide ideation and what to do if we notice someone who is:
If you notice these signs in anyone you know, you should make every effort to have the person seek professional mental health care. If you believe someone has attempted suicide (such as taking too many pills), call emergency services immediately.
Suicidal tendency is a very serious mental health concern, and it is not advisable that someone without professional training in dealing with suicide attempt to counsel a person who might be suicidal.
If a family member or friend expresses suicidal thoughts, do not ignore him or her. That person might desperately need your help. Some steps you can take to help:
Sadly, most who attempt suicide never seek professional care. Let them know you want to care about them and that though you may not know what to do, you empathise with their situation. One of the most important things that any of us can do is to help build their support system. People with suicidal thoughts could be surrounded by positive people in their life yet no one has any inkling what this person is going through mentally. So, help them make the connection, they need the support and encourage them to seek help.
If safety permits, the person should be taken by friends or family to any hospital emergency department, where the person will receive a comprehensive evaluation and possible placement inside a mental health facility.
As family members, friends, and confidants, we have a responsibility to assist the people we care about.
Education on suicide, how to prevent it and how to handle flow of conflicts in a healthy way in addition to campaigns and psychoeducational workshops on Suicide Prevention are much needed to educate the community.
Knowing common risk factors and warning signs can prove life-saving when working with the general public.
Finding professional help for those who may be having suicidal thoughts are the most important steps we can take to save lives. It is important to contact your local suicide hotline as they can walk you through the steps of helping yourself, your friend, or your family member.
Mental health professional can help the person and the family members develop a safety plan before suicidal thoughts worsens and this is a key element in the treatment of those at risk for suicide.
Having a support systems early and identifying risky behaviour can be a life-saver. It is best to have a plan of prevention and response in place before a crisis.