Suicide and Suicide Prevention

Help for carersIndividual therapy
Written By Zoe Arnold

Suicide is the act of deliberately taking one’s own life.  In Australia alone approximately 2,100 people take their own lives each year.  This means that 1 – 2% of all deaths registered in Australia are caused by suicide.  Suicide attempts are more common in women, in fact almost double that of men, though, men are almost four times more successful than women.  Despite popular belief, there is no one particular type of person that suicides.  People from all walks of life, religion, age, socio economic background, gender and race have and do take their own lives.

Some Myths about Suicide

  • Suicidal people fully intend on dying.

False!  In many situations people attempt suicide as they cannot see their way out of a situation and don’t feel they can turn to anyone about it.  Many people do not want to die but feel it may be the only solution or way out.

  • Mentioning suicide to a person who is upset may put the idea in their head.

False!  Often our society treats suicide as a taboo subject and people avoid the topic.  If someone is presenting as severely depressed and there are noticeable changes in their presentation, motivation and lifestyle the chances are they have experienced some suicidal ideation.  Talking about it may help them by letting them know you care.

  • People who talk about suicide don’t actually do it.

False! Studies have shown that as many as 80% of those who suicide had told someone of their intentions before they died.

  • People who threaten suicide, but don’t do it, or who attempt suicide unsuccessfully, are not serious about killing themselves.

False!  Often people who attempt suicide will make further attempts to take their life.  Any suicide attempt should be taken seriously and responded to immediately.

  • The “crisis” is over when there is a lift in the persons spirits

False!  In many cases suicidal people can appear calm and happier than they have presented in a long time because they are no longer conflicted over their decision to take their lives, the decision has been made and they embrace that decision.

Common Risk Factors

The risk factors involved with people who suicide are so widespread and varied that it would be almost impossible to list them all.  Each person’s life journey is unique as are the reasons why they may choose to take their life. 

Some of the common risk factors include:

  • Perceived lack of psychological and social resources

  • Loss of job

  • Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness

  • Death of a loved one

  • Social isolation

  • Physical illness

  • Recent suicide of a loved one

  • History of depression or other mental illness

  • Alcohol or drug abuse

  • Legal problems

  • Financial difficulty

  • Domestic violence

  • Sexual abuse

  • Sexual identity issues

  • Work related stress

  • Family/Relationship breakdown

  • History of previous suicide attempts

Indicators of Suicide

In most cases individuals who are experiencing suicidal ideation may begin to display changes in their behaviour and/or presentation.  There may be a decline in their school or professional work,  indifference about their appearance,  a marked loss of interest in future goals or planning, loss of appetite, weight loss and general lethargy.   They may lose interest in sex, may sleep more than usual or not be able to sleep at all and start to withdraw from friends, family and social situations.  Suicidal individuals may start to show disregard for their own lives by partaking in risk taking behaviours and there may be an increase of or introduction of alcohol and drugs.

In the most severe cases individuals may start making final arrangements such as making a will, writing notes to family, giving away their possessions and planning their funeral.

Behaviours That Can Make a Difference

There is a very fine line between those who experience suicidal ideation but do not take their lives and those who do.  Indicators that have proven to help prevent individuals from taking their lives and assisted them in seeking support include, but are not limited to:

  • Connectedness to school and family

  • Responsibility for children

  • The presence of a significant other, an adult for a young person, a spouse or partner

  • Personal resilience and problem solving skills

  • Good physical and mental health

 

  • Economic security in older age

  • Strong spiritual or religious faith, or a sense of meaning and purpose in life

  • Community and social integration

  • Early identification and appropriate treatment of psychiatric illness

  • Belief that suicide is wrong

  • Lack of access to guns in the house.

What Can I Do?

If someone you care about is experiencing suicidal ideation or displaying suicidal behaviours the first thing you can do is talk to them.  Let them know that you care and that you intend to support them.  Let them know there is no situation so great that it worth taking their life.

Seek help.  Encourage them to speak to a Psychologist, Therapist, Doctor or Counsellor.  Discuss your concerns with any health professionals they may already be linked with.

Remain calm and supportive, show you care by listening with empathy. Be non-judgemental and be careful about giving advice or offering solutions as this can be experienced as not feeling heard, or dismissed, or criticised.

Assess where they are at by asking if they have a plan to take their life, if they have planned a time or place and if they have the means to carry out the suicide.  If the individual has made plans and they are imminent, encourage them to go to hospital immediately.  If they are unwilling, you may need to seek support from the Mental Health Emergency Response Team or the Police Department.

One of the most difficult factors that loved ones face is that if the suicidal individual is over 18 years of age they cannot force them to seek help.  Ultimately the decision to take a life comes down to the individual, and family members can feel helpless in the process.

Studies have shown that early intervention does reduce the rate of suicide and that the love and support of family and friends can be a key factor in an individual seeking help.

Teen Suicide

If you feel that your teenage is suicidal the steps above still apply. 

1)    Talk to your teen about your concerns. 

2)    Try to keep the lines of communication open, this may be difficult as many teens can withdraw and not want to talk to anyone about their feelings. 

3)    Encourage your teen to talk to a mental health professional or a different family member/friend if they do not wish to speak with you.

4)    If you notice any self-harming behaviour, marked change in mood and behaviour or if your teen attempts suicide take them to your closest hospital for assessment and ask to be linked into agencies that may be able to help you and your child.

5)    Do not tell your teen they are “being silly” or to “stop trying to get attention”.  Judgmental comments and actions can heighten the situation and further isolate your child.

6)    Remind your child that you love them and that they are your primary concern.

Where can I get help?

In Western Australia;

Lifeline  - 131114

Kids Helpline  - 1800 55 1800

Crisis Care  - 9223 1111

SANE  - 1800 18 7263

Mental Health Emergency Response Line – 1300 555 788

Your doctor, for information and referral

Police Department – 131444

If you are experiencing suicidal ideation or have a loved one who is displaying suicidal behaviours and would like to talk further please contact Eliza to make an appointment.

Or, for general enquiries please contact admin@wellmindpsychology.com

Zoe Arnold
Next

Thinking of Separating?