Suicide Awareness

Why do suicides occur? How can we understand suicide and work to prevent it? Why do suicides take place across the entire cross section of society - among the young and aged, the unemployed and employed, the rich and the poor, the religious and non-religious, the ill and healthy? If there is a cause common to all the apparently diverse suicides, what is it?

Suicide is a complex, multifaceted event precipitated by several cultural, sociological, interpersonal, or philosophical factors. Even so, it is presently accepted that suicide is always preceded by "pain of the mind" intensely felt by the unique individual.

The unendurable mental pain introduces the idea of death  - as a means to put an end to the pain forever. The individual is increasingly drawn into a "tunnel", where death by suicide appears as a serious option. If that option ultimately came to be exercised,  it has to be understood that the individual forsake life to escape from the pain - the individual loved life, but could not endure with it.

Suicides can be prevented. If there is a way to alleviate the underlying mental pain, the individual will spring back to active life. Most suicidal people can be helped in getting through their moment of crisis if they have someone who will spend time with them, listen, take them seriously and help them talk about their thoughts and feelings.

The basics of suicide prevention constitute an awareness about the following matters:

Myths and Facts about Suicide

It is a myth that: "People who talk about suicide do not commit suicide."

The Fact : The majority of people who attempt suicide do or say something to express their intention before they act. Statements like, "I wish I was dead" or "You'll be sorry when I'm gone," are likely.

It is a myth that: "Suicide happens without warning."

The Fact: Suicidal persons give many clues and warnings - both verbal and non-verbal - regarding their suicidal intentions.

It is a myth that: " Suicidal people are fully intent on dying. Nothing can stop them."

The Fact: Even the most severely depressed person has ambivalent feelings about suicide. Suicidal people do not want to die, they just want their pain to end. If allowed to explore their feelings, with empathy and acceptance, without intruding into their dignity, most suicidal people feel that their pain is lessened. In time, suicidal feelings might dissipate and the person returns to active life.

It is a myth that: "All suicidal individuals are mentally ill"

Most people undergoing suicidal feelings are healthy individuals. They may be upset, grief-stricken, depressed or despairing, but are not necessarily suffering from mental illness.

It is a myth that: "Talking about suicide may give someone the idea."

The Fact:  Openly addressing the subject shows a willingness to help and is the first step towards providing help. Talking with someone about his or her suicidal feelings that were already there can lead to a lightening of painful thoughts. Self-destructive feelings, if absent, will NOT be introduced just by talking about suicide.

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Helpful / Harmful attitudes towards a suicidal person:

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"Warning Signs" - Clues to suicidal behaviour

People with suicidal intent often let others know about their thoughts in various ways. Their communications can be behavioural, verbal or non-verbal. Certain "warning signs"  pointing to suicide risk have been put together below:

Unhappy Circumstances:

Suicidal risk is greater when an individual is facing unhappy situations such as:

• Recent loss or break-up of a close relationship (death, divorce, separation, quarrels)

• Disappointments in career or financial status (sudden illness, loss of job, failures, debts)

• Perception of being threatened (legal actions, physical attacks)

• Sudden / painful / prolonged / disabling illness (mental or physical)

• Dependency on alcohol or other drugs.

• History of earlier suicidal behaviour.

• History of suicide in family.

Visual / Behavioural Clues:

• Changes in personality: sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, apathetic.

• Changes in behaviour: Loss of concentration in everyday work, less energetic, exhausted.

• Changes in sleep pattern: Fatigue, insomnia, frequent nightmares

• Changes in eating habits: Loss of appetite or overeating

• Sudden loss of interest in friends, sex, hobbies or activities previously enjoyed

• Anxiety about money, health or dependant relatives.

• Appearing to be losing control over life, going crazy, harming self or others

• Different from normal ways - easily given to tears or unusually cheerful.

• Undue haste in tidying up pending affairs (making a will, taking out insurance, clearing debts)
  

Verbal Clues:

• Expressing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

• Describing life or self as worthless, a failure.

• Unable to perceive hope in life - no aspirations about future.

• Expressions of guilt, shame and loss of self-esteem.

• Frequent references to futility of life, death or suicide.

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The Right Approach 

towards a suicidal person

	Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide
	Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept feelings
	Be non-judgmental. Do not debate if suicide is right or wrong; feelings are good or bad. Do not lecture over value of life.
	Become Available. Show interest and support.
	Do not act shocked. This will put distance between you and the person in crisis.
	Offer hope that alternatives are available.
	Encourage to get help from persons or agencies that offer crisis support.

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Wish to help someone who is suicidal?