What is suicide?
Simply put, suicide is the act of harming yourself or taking your own life. It can affect anyone of any age and from any social status. You may be smiling on the outside, but inside you may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. You may feel like you are at the lowest point in your life. However, if you are having suicidal thoughts frequently, you are at risk.It's very important to remember that if you are thinking about suicide , have attempted it, or have lost someone you know to suicide – no matter what your situation, you can get help.
What are the warning signs of suicide?
There are not always clear warning signs of suicide. Sometimes it can happen suddenly, without any apparent signs of anything wrong. However, there are some common warning signs that can be seen. Let's take a look at what they are.- Suicidal ideation: This means having frequent thoughts of ending your life.
- Talking to others about suicidal thoughts: Saying things like "I feel like dying."
- Hiding suicidal thoughts from others: Not telling anyone what's on your mind.
- Making preparations: Things like writing a last will and testament, giving away valuables to others, saying goodbye to loved ones, cleaning up your place, and even looking for and purchasing dangerous weapons or materials.
- Reckless, dangerous, or risky behavior without considering the consequences: for example, self- harm .
- Withdrawal from loved ones and social interactions.
- Expressing a sense of being a burden to others or feeling trapped in a situation with no clear escape.
- Mood changes: Feelings or intense emotions such as anxiety, restlessness, anger, depression .
- A sudden sense of calm after a long period of mood swings.
- Signs that a condition such as depression is worsening include: changes in sleep patterns (sleeping more or less than usual) or a loss of pleasure in things that usually bring pleasure.
What is a Suicide Hotline?
In the United States, there is a special phone number for getting help in such situations, which is 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). You can call them in such a situation:- If you have thoughts of suicide, self- harm , or harming others.
- If you're feeling anxious, stressed, or just having a bad day.
- If you are in an emergency situation.
- If you are facing issues related to your gender identity , being transgender or non-binary.
- If you feel pressured about things like money, housing, and food.
- If you need to talk to someone, or if it's hard to be alone.
- If you have concerns about a loved one and need advice.
How common are suicides?
Suicide is considered the leading cause of death in the United States. By age group:- The second leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and 25-34.
- The third leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds.
- The fourth leading cause of death among people aged 35-44.
Who is at higher risk of suicide?
Anyone can be at risk of suicide.It affects people all over the world, regardless of race, religion, or age. There is no specific pattern to it. It can affect people who are very happy on the outside, people who are depressed, and anyone in between. However, studies have found that some groups are at higher risk. For example:- For some indigenous groups, such as Alaska Natives,
- For those in prison
- For those belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community
- For those who are socially or environmentally isolated
- For some major ethnic groups (e.g. non-Hispanic whites - this is based on American data)
- For men (men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide)
- For immigrants or refugees
- For those over 65 years of age
- For those who have served in the military (Veterans)
- For those who have been subjected to violence or abuse
- For those affected by war or natural disasters
Does talking about suicide increase the risk?
No. Not at all. Talking about suicide does not increase the risk of someone taking their own life, nor does it make them think about it. In fact, asking someone, "Are you thinking about suicide?" can be a life-saving way to support that person and help them get the treatment they need.Why would someone consider suicide?
It's hard to know exactly why someone is thinking about something unless they tell you themselves. Even so, there may be many reasons that influence that decision, and they may not be willing to fully disclose all of them. In many cases, suicide occurs before any information is shared. Research shows that there are several common factors that can lead someone to take their own life:- If you have previously attempted suicide.
- An underlying mental health condition. For example, depression, anxiety disorder.
- An underlying medical condition or incurable disease with painful or disabling symptoms.
- Financial, legal, housing or employment challenges.
- Interpersonal trauma, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; or neglect, isolation, or bullying.
- Changes in relationships ( divorce , separation, or death of a loved one).
- Lack of access to healthcare or medical services.
- Cultural or religious ideals (in some cases).
- Extreme stress.
What are the mental illnesses associated with suicide?
Some mental health conditions can make you think about suicide. These can include:- Anxiety disorders
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Mood disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Schizophrenia-emotional `(Schizophrenia)`
- Substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Can suicides be prevented?
After losing someone to suicide, you may wonder, "Is there anything I could have done to prevent this?" While there are many things we can do as a society to help prevent suicide, it is not something that can be completely prevented and ultimately it is up to the individual to make the decision. However, if someone is thinking about suicide or you see warning signs, intervening early can help reduce the risk of suicide. You can take these steps:- Learn about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide.
- Be attentive to the emotional needs of your friends and loved ones.
- Be there to support those around you and listen to them.
- If you suspect that someone is thinking about suicide, start a conversation about it.
- If someone is struggling, encourage them to seek treatment from a mental health professional.
- If you or someone else is in immediate danger of suicide, call local emergency services (e.g. 119 police emergency number) or the helplines mentioned above, and remove dangerous objects from the area.
People who receive support from loved ones are less likely to act on suicidal impulses. However, when talking about suicide, you should not be judgmental. You may be thinking negatively about it, but expressing those feelings to someone who is thinking about suicide can be harmful.
What is a Suicide Risk Assessment?
This is a doctor or mental health counselor.A series of questions that they ask you. They will decide if you are at risk of taking your own life. This has three parts: 1. Screening: This will ask you some basic questions about suicide. 2. Safety assessment: If the screening shows you are at risk, this is the next step. A professional will have a short conversation with you to find out if you are at risk and if you are in immediate danger. This will take about 10 minutes. 3. Results and treatment: Your doctor will decide what to do next based on the results of the screening and assessment. Studies have found that many people who die by suicide have seen a doctor several months before they die. This risk assessment can identify your risk of suicide early, so your doctor can give you life-saving treatment. This can be obtained by anyone of any age.What should I do if I or a loved one is thinking about suicide?
Experiencing suicidal ideation, or any situation that could lead to the loss of your life, can be a source of anxiety and fear. Also, if someone you love tells you that they are thinking about suicide or have attempted it, you may be concerned about their safety. Here are some things that can help:- Call support lines: Call a service like Sri Lanka Friends (0112692909, 0112696666) or CCCline 1333. Talking to someone can help you, whether you are in crisis or just having a bad day. Remember, you are not alone.
- If you or someone you know is in danger or an unsafe situation, call 119 (police emergency) or a local emergency services number immediately.
- Make a safety plan: A safety plan is a list of things that will help you or a loved one feel better during a crisis, including suicidal thoughts. This list can include things you can do alone and things you can do with others.
- Talk to someone you trust: it could be a friend, a relative, a teacher, or a doctor. There are always people around you who can support you when you need it.
- Prescription medications.
- Alcohol or drugs.
- Guns or other weapons. If you have guns, remove the bullets and put them in a separate place.
What is a Suicide Attempt?
A suicide attempt is a deliberate attempt to harm yourself, but death does not result. A suicide attempt can have a significant impact on your physical and mental health, depending on how you harm yourself. For example, after jumping off a bridge, you may have broken several bones. The pain you feel after a suicide attempt may be much greater than the pain you felt before. In addition, it can be emotionally difficult to come to terms with the fact that you are alive after trying to end your life. You may think of your attempt as a "failure." However, suicide is not exactly like shooting at a target – it is never a "successful" or "failed" choice. This choice of words can hinder your ability to heal. Instead, you can consider yourself a survivor of a suicide attempt, and you can view your survival as a turning point to refocus on your health and safety so that there won't be a "next time." It can be hard to see where you are right now that there is hope or that things will get better, but for many people, things do get better with time and treatment.What is physician-assisted suicide?
As defined by the American Medical Association, physician-assisted suicide is the process of a physician providing assistance or information to a patient to choose to end their own life. In areas where this is legal, a person with a terminal illness can make this request to a physician. This is not legal in Sri Lanka.How does suicidal ideation contribute to suicide?
Suicidal ideation (also known as suicidal thoughts or wishes) is the act of thinking, considering, or making a plan to end your life. It can be a sudden thought or a series of recurring, harmful thoughts. A thought does not necessarily mean taking action to end your life, but it can lead to that. Suicidal thoughts can be helped.What are Suicidal Tendencies?
The term "suicidal ideation" describes an increase in thoughts of suicide or self-harm with the intent to kill. The term "suicidal ideation" is no longer used to describe the frequency of suicidal behavior. Instead, the more accurate term is "suicide risk."Suicide is a scary, heartbreaking, and complex thing. It affects people all over the world, and it is unfortunately common. It may seem like there are no other options, but there is hope and ways to get help. If someone you know is showing warning signs, it is okay to ask them if they are thinking about suicide. Listen without judgment. Encourage them to talk to a doctor or mental health counselor . If you or a loved one is in danger, don’t be afraid to ask for help.The most important thing to remember (Take-Home Message)
Think about it, life is like the ocean. Sometimes it's very calm and beautiful. Other times, there are big waves and storms. At those times, it can feel like it's hard to breathe. But, storms aren't always there.- You are not alone: You are not the only one struggling with these feelings.
- Talk: Sharing your feelings with someone you trust can be a great relief.
- Asking for help is a strength: Seeking professional help is not a weakness, it is a sign that you are thinking for yourself. Friends in Sri Lanka, there are services like CCCline 1333.
- Look out for others: If you see a friend or family member struggling, talk to them and listen to them.
- There is hope: no matter how hard it is, things can get better. Get the help and support you need to do so.
Life is precious. Your life is precious too. So, please ask for help.
` Suicide, mental health, help, stress, depression, survival, support channels
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