Notes on Suicide

Product Information

When a person shares their feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of suicide, try the following strategies: But more than half of all people who die by suicide don’t have a known mental illness at the time of their death. Please find some tiny ray of hope and cling to it like the life raft that is. Things can get so much better! People concerned about a loved one’s emotions should consider broaching the topic of suicide. Initiating a discussion does not implant the idea. Instead, it can provide a safe space to talk about stigmatized feelings. Suicidal thoughts have many causes. Most often, suicidal thoughts are the result of feeling like you can't cope when you're faced with what seems to be an overwhelming life situation. If you don't have hope for the future, you may mistakenly think suicide is a solution. You may experience a sort of tunnel vision, where in the middle of a crisis you believe suicide is the only way out.

Risk factors and warning signs. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. https://afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/. Accessed Feb. 20, 2018. Male 1: And one more thing, if you think your kid might be about to hurt himself, don't leave him alone. Changes in mood, including increases in anxiety, depression, anger, loss of interest in life, or feelings of shame and humiliation Female 2: Maybe you're afraid you'll make it worse if you ask. Like you'll put the idea in their head.

Key facts

Call a suicide hotline. The person on the other end of the line can connect you to emergency intervention services in your area, offer you the support you need to be a good listener, and answer questions about suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers an online chat, or you can call 1-800-273-8255 for help over the phone.

Know that it’s ok to ask someone about suicide. There’s a common misconception that asking someone if they have suicidal thoughts will implant the idea. That’s a myth. If someone is not suicidal, asking about it will NOT cause them to be. And, if they are, asking about it may just save their life. By asking and listening without judgment and without anger, you’ll let them know that the door is open to talk about it, that you are a safe place for them, and that you will help them take the first steps toward preventing it. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. As a clinical psychologist, I probably think about suicide more often and in different ways than most. I’ve read the research. I’ve been trained to ask the hard questions. I am all too familiar with the frustrating gaps in our knowledge base: what causes it, who is at risk, how do we prevent it? I understand the stigma and misconceptions surrounding it, and I know, firsthand, the collateral damage that stems from it. Urge the person to talk to you. Someone who is thinking about suicide may feel ashamed, guilty or embarrassed. Be supportive and understanding. Give your opinions without placing blame. Listen closely and do not interrupt. Validate their feelings. It may be tempting to minimize their suffering in an attempt to get them to change their suicidal thoughts. Validation, however, can help your loved one feel understood. It encourages them to keep talking. Talking can save lives.Veterans Crisis Line. U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/. Accessed Feb. 24, 2018. It is estimated that around 20% of global suicides are due to pesticide self-poisoning, most of which occur in rural agricultural areas in low- and middle-income countries. Other common methods of suicide are hanging and firearms. Have a medical condition that can be linked to depression and suicidal thinking, such as chronic disease, chronic pain or terminal illness Ask the person if there is something they need or something you can do to help. This allows them to ask for something—a ride to the emergency room or companionship, for example—if they need it. Be prepared for them to say no or that they don’t know, but don’t end the conversation there.

If you live in the United States, try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). They have trained counselors available 24/7. Stop a Suicide Today is another helpful resource. Suicide prevention: Myth or fact? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://ucc.nd.edu/self-help/depression-suicide/suicide-prevention-myth-or-fact/

WHO response

Raising community awareness and breaking down the taboo is important for countries to make progress in preventing suicide. Data quality Take talk of suicide seriously. Never suggest a person take their life in a moment of your own exasperation. Never suggest they are only seeking attention. You should never change your dosage or stop taking your medications unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so. Suicidal feelings may recur and you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking your medications. Deaths by suicide are often surrounded by unanswered questions. Those left behind may feel a combination of grief, guilt, anger, and confusion. People experiencing suicidal thoughts often struggle to feel heard. Myths about suicide, such as the idea that talking to a suicidal person can make them more suicidal, are pervasive. I feel your pain…at least I want to. I want to listen, to wrap my arms around you, to tell you that you are NOT alone, that people care, that this will pass, that life CAN get better, that there IS hope, that NOTHING is unforgiveable or irreversible.