In May, the observance of Mental Health Awareness Month directs our focus to the detection and treatment of mental illnesses. Advances in scientific research have honed our understanding of the causes, risk factors, symptoms and methods of recovery; however, we still see over 32,000 suicides each year in the United States – one every 16 minutes. It is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds and the eleventh leading cause of death for all ages.
Suicide is a serious public health issue and devastating to the five million Americans who have lost a loved one to suicide. For survivors, the impact of the suicide is different from that of other types of death, because the loved one seems to have chosen death over a wealth of better
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alternatives. In dealing with the loss, survivors face a complex mix of emotions – shock, anger and guilt – as well as terrible questions: Why didn’t I see this coming? What could I have done to prevent this?
Though suicide is sometimes preventable, it is important to be clear that when a person sadly commits suicide, no one is to blame. Sometimes, no matter how hard we have tried to help loved ones, they may still act on hopeless feelings and end their lives. It creates additional trauma to look for fault in those around us or within ourselves. Instead, this is a time for survivors to pull together and help one another through the heartache. Be aware of the danger signs of suicide:
- Previous suicide attempts. This increases the risk for future attempts.
- Threats. Threats may be direct statements (“I want to die.” “I feel like killing myself.”) or indirect comments (“The world would be better off without me.” “Nobody will miss me anyway.”) Suicidal intent may also be reflected in creative writing or artwork.
- Final arrangements. This behavior may take many forms – giving away articles of personal or monetary value, changing a will, paying off debts, referring to burial or funeral preferences, obtaining a weapon to be used in the attempt or writing a suicide note.
- Collection and/or discussion of information on suicide methods.
- Self-injury. Self-injurious behaviors (cutting or scratching oneself) are warning signs, particularly for children and adolescents.
- Sudden radical changes in mood or behavior. Any acute personality changes should be noted, including depression, serious withdrawal from normal activities or significant persons, or a new involvement in high-risk activities.
- Sudden dramatic decline or improvement in academic or work performance.
- Physical symptoms, such as eating disturbances, sleeplessness or excessive sleeping, chronic headaches or stomachaches.
- The expression of hopelessness, helplessness, and anger at oneself or the world.
- Recent loss of a friend or family member, or even a pet. This could be a loss through death or divorce or geographical separation.
- Legal or financial difficulties.
- Alcohol and other substance abuse.
If you suspect a friend or loved one is suicidal, Mental Health, Inc., offers the following tips:
- Do take it seriously. 70 percent of all people who commit suicide give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member.
- Do be willing to listen. Even if professional help is needed, your loved one will be more willing to seek help if you have listened to him or her.
- Do voice your concerns. Take the initiative to ask what is troubling your loved one.
- Do be honest. If the person’s words or actions concern you, tell him or her. If you’re worried or don’t know what to do, say so. Don’t be a cheerful phony.
- Do let the person know you care and understand. Reassure your loved one that he or she is not alone. Tell him or her that although powerful, suicidal feelings are temporary, depression can be treated and problems can be solved.
- Do ask if the person has a specific plan for committing suicide and find out how far he or she has gone in carrying it out. It is a myth that asking the person about suicide will cause them to think about – or commit – suicide.
- Do get professional help immediately. Even if the person has asked you not to tell anyone, that is a promise you cannot keep. Bring the person to the nearest emergency room or crisis center or, if the person is already in treatment, contact his or her clinician. Your loved one will be more likely to seek help if you accompany him or her.
- If for any reason you are unsure, uncomfortable or unable to take action, do find a mental health professional with whom you can share your concerns, call a local hotline, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.TALK).
- Whatever you choose to do, the important thing is to make the effort.
- Don’t assume the situation will take care of itself.
- Don’t leave the person alone.
- Don’t act shocked or surprised at what the person says.
- Don’t challenge or dare.
- Don’t argue or debate moral issues.
- Don’t be sworn to secrecy.
We cannot say with certainty that it is possible to prevent all suicides; we can simply educate ourselves about the signs and symptoms, as well as what to do if we suspect someone has suicidal thoughts or plans. |