● Suicide is defined as the “intentional” killing of oneself (Centre for Mental Health & Addictions, (CAMH) Canada).
● Suicide can affect anyone regardless of race, age, ethnicity and other social-economic characteristics
● It is caused by multiple factors
● Often associated with mental disorders including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and substance addictions especially if untreated
● Although women are three times more likely to attempt suicide, men are three times more likely than women to die from suicide.
● Suicide can be an impulsive act and may be preceded by substance use
● It can also be triggered by psychosis/mental illnesses including schizophrenia whereby individuals may be hearing voices instructing them to kill themselves
● Suicide can be prevented if the warning signs can be recognized and timely support and treatment of the triggering condition provided
Why do people Commit Suicide?
● People commit because they experience extreme stress and mental health disease often resulting in feelings of hopelessness and despair
● The individuals involved are often in severe “pain” and have lost hope and ability to end the pain
● The majority of suicide victims often exhibit signs of their verbal expressions or behaviours prior to committing the act.
Warning Signs:
Verbal
● The person may express a wish to “end” his/her life, die, kill or harm oneself
● Express feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
● Speak of having no reason to live
● May feel s/he may be a burden to others
● Expressions of unbearable pain
● Feeling trapped
Behaviours
● Sudden change in mood and behaviours
● Increase the use of alcohol or substance
● Changes in sleeping patterns (sleeping much more than they normally would
● Decrease in appetite
● Searching for means of committing suicide (includes online searches)
● Withdrawal from family/friends or activities previously enjoyed
● Saying “goodbye” to people
● Giving away treasured/valuable possessions
● Making preparations for one’s own death (Will writing)
● Aggressive behaviours
● Lack of energy or feeling tired
Mood/Mental State
● Depressed mood
● Anxiety
● Loss of interest in living/life/previously interested activities
● Irritability
● Agitation/Anger
● Feelings of Humiliation/Shame
● Flat affect
Risk Factors
● Presence of Mental Health and/or Addiction Problem(s)
o Depression
o Bipolar disorder
o Schizophrenia
o Personality traits (aggressive/impulsive, changing moods, poor relationships)
o Conduct disorder
o Anxiety disorders
o Serious physical health
o Substance use
● Environmental Factors
o Prolonged stress
o Bullying/harassment
o Difficult /stressful relationships
o Unemployment
o Traumatic life events/transitions or recent major losses (divorce, death, job loss, rejection etc.)
o Lack of family or friends support
o Witnessing someone else’s suicide or exposure to graphic details even if remotely by proxy
o Access to deadly weapons or medications/means
● History/ abusive childhood
o Prior suicide attempts
o Past family suicide
o Childhood trauma, abuse or neglect
What Helps?: “Protective” Factors to Suicide Risks
● Positive social support
● Existence of responsibility towards others (dependent children, pets) except in the case of postpartum depression
● Positive coping skills
● A positive relationship with mental and healthcare providers
● Self-efficacy skills (personal belief or confidence to persevere/thrive)
● Religious belief about the wrongness of suicide
How You Can a Suicidal Person
● Listen supportively and attentively
● Take them seriously
● Do not judge or minimize the person’s feelings
● Be supportive, positive and hopeful
● Be direct and ask if they are suicidal
● Ask if the person has the means/plan or method
● If a plan exists or is disclosed, limit access to weapons/medications/possible means
● Ask them to rank severity (scale of 1-10) assess periodically to ascertain if worsening
● Discuss help and treatment availability
● Encourage the person to speak about his/her feeling
● Ask the person to see his/her family doctor or mental health professional (offer to assists with arrangement
● Develop a safety plan with the individual
o Who will they call if feelings intensify
o Who can stay with them to ensure the person is safe
o List of phone numbers of persons or services to call if unsafe
o Assess if he/she can or cannot be left alone
● Seek help/support for yourself to share the burden/cope
● Take the individual to the nearest hospital if needed
● Call your local emergency line or crisis teams/mental health provider if available
References
https://afsp.org/about-suic…/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/
http://www.camh.ca/…/mental-illness-and-addiction-i…/suicide