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SUICIDE

The silent killer

The act or an instance of taking one's own life voluntarily and intentionally

Suicide. We would rather not talk about it. We hope it will never happen to anyone we know. But suicide is a reality, and it is more common than you might think.

The possibility that suicide could claim the life of someone you love cannot be ignored. Roughly 800,000 people worldwide are lost to suicide each year. By paying attention to warning signs and talking about the ‘unthinkable,’ you may be able to prevent an unnecessary loss of life.

Whose at Risk

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The people most likely to commit suicide include:

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  • Those suffering from serious physical or mental illness.

  • Those abusing drugs and alcohol. 

  • Those who are experiencing a major loss, such as the death of a loved one, unemployment or divorce.

  • Those who are experiencing major changes in their life.

  • Those who have made previous suicide threats.

 

Suicidal tendencies can arise in anyone but by paying attention to the warning signs and talking about it, you may be able to prevent someone's death. 

 

Whose at risk

Warning Signs

This is a general list of concerning signs that should indicate a need for professional help. This is by no means a complete list of warning signs. 

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Warning Signs

  • Appearing depressed or sad most of the time.(Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.)

  • Repeated expressions of hopelessness, helplessness, or desperation,

  • Withdrawal from friends and activities,

  • Feeling marginalized, rejected,

  • Behaviour that is out of character, such as recklessness in someone who is normally careful

  • Loss of interest in usual activities,

  • Decrease in appetite or increased use of alcohol and other drugs,

  • Abusing drugs or alcohol.

  • Recent death of a friend or family member,

  • Job loss, failing academic performance,

  • Talking about death or wanting to die, e.g. “no one cares if I live or die”

  • Mood swings, emotional outbursts, high level of irritability or aggression,

  • A sudden and unexpected change to a cheerful attitude,

  • Giving away prized possessions to friends and family,

  • Making a will, taking out insurance, or other preparations for death, such as telling final wishes to someone close,

  • Making remarks related to death and dying, or an expressed intent to commit suicide.

  • Previous suicidal behaviour

It should be noted that some people do not exhibit any warning signs. However, this is rare. About 75% of people have tried to commit suicide exhibit warning signs.

Prevention

Suicide prevention can be boiled down to just two things; communication and seeking proper help. 

Communication

 

  • Keep an open line of communication

  •  Don't be afraid to ask directly. If you seem comfortable discussing your concerns about the person's well-being, he or she may be more likely to discuss his or her experiences with you. "Are you having thoughts about hurting yourself" may open the conversation lines for the person.

  •  Ask how you can help the person. None of us are mind-readers, so asking the person how you may be of help to them is the best way to know what they need from you during this hard time for them.

  • Let them know that you’re there to listen and that you aren’t going anywhere

 

Seeking Help

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  •  If they have said mental health may be a factor, talk to them about speaking with their doctor or health care practitioner

  • Offer to go with the person while they seek help. He or she may be more likely to follow through with asking for help or getting it if you are there as built-in support.

 

Prevention

Why do People Choose Suicide?

There are many circumstances which can contribute to someone’s decision to end his/her life,  All people who consider suicide feel that life is unbearable. They have an extreme sense of hopelessness, helplessness, or desperation.

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People who talk about dying by suicide or make an attempt do not necessarily want to die. Often, they are reaching out for help. Sometimes, a suicide attempt becomes the turning point in a person’s life if there is enough support to help him/her make necessary changes.

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If someone you know is feeling desperate enough to attempt suicide, you may be able to help him/her find a better way to cope. If you yourself are so distressed that you cannot think of any way out except by ‘ending it all,’ remember, help for your problems is available.

Why do people choose suicide

Grief

Losing someone to suicide can be shocking, painful and unexpected. The grief can be intense, complex, and long term. Working through grief is an extremely individual and unique process; each person will experience it in their own way and at their own pace. There is no time frame for grief, but knowing that there are people here to help you through this painful process can make things a little easier.

Grief suicide

If you have been considering suicide as an option. If someone you love is exhibiting concerning behaviour then please reach out for help to your local Victim Services for help.  Having an open and honest conversation as well as seeking proper help you could prevent the unthinkable. 

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