How to help prevent suicide

by m

Recorded suicides have increased by 60% since 1960. But there is a panacea to this pandemic. From suicide hotlines to spotting warning signs, learn how to help prevent suicide.

There is a quiet pandemic whispering around the world.

It is the 3rd leading cause of death in American persons aged 10 to 29.

It is responsible for 12% of deaths in the European Union.

It is the 10th leading cause of death, worldwide.

It is suicide.

It can be prevented.

Is suicide on the increase?

Records of suicide date back to ancient times, but as we enter a new century, we are facing a new surge of death. The number of completed suicides has increased by 60% since 1960. In 1998, the WHO ranked suicide as 12th in the list of leading causes of death worldwide. Now it's the 10th most common cause, claiming over a million victims every year.

That's more than the number of persons who die through homicide or war.

That's 16 out 100,000.

That's 1 death every 40 seconds.

That's not all.

Not only has the rate of suicides increased, it's also expected to continuing increasing. The WHO projects that the number of deaths could rise to 1.5 million per year by 2020 – 1 death every 20 seconds. And youth suicide is increasing at the greatest rate of all demographics.

Suicide is a permanent solution to an often temporary problem

There is neither need nor reason for the continuing of these trends.

Though we are suffering a pandemic, there is also panacea.

Many suicidal persons do not want to die. They want an escape from an unbearable situation. Negative socio-economic factors – homelessness, unemployment, poverty and divorce – are present in the lives of many suicidal people. The rate of suicide is also greater in homosexual and bisexual persons than heterosexual persons. Here the numbers are less defined (lows of about 1 times more likely in males and females; highs of about 4 times more likely in females and 14 times more likely in males) but that there is an increase is clear. Mood disorders and, or, substance abuse are present in 80% to 90% percent of suicides, oftentimes undiagnosed or untreated. Unfortunately, suicide is a permanent solution to what is often a temporary problem.

Suicidal tendencies also, overwhelmingly, go unnoticed. Warning signs and trends are clear; suicide is rarely committed on impulse. With 80% of suicides occurring after a previous attempt – especially in young persons – one would think that someone would notice and intervene before it was too late. Why, then, are the numbers so high? Theories abound. One fact remains central: you can save a life.

Suicide warning signs

Verbal cues are the most obvious. Check this list of phrases that may indicate a person is contemplating suicide. Any stated intention of suicide, or suicidal behaviour should be taken seriously. This is especially important when communicating over the Internet, when body language, tone of voice and knowledge of personal situations are not available.

If a person tells you that they are going to kill themselves, determine their location, and phone emergency services. Do not wait, even if you've sworn to keep that person's feelings a secret. To every rule there is an exception; secrets that put people in deadly danger are not to be kept. If the suicidal person doesn't want you to call emergency services, makes you swear not to call, whatever – call anyway.

Suicidal behaviour

A person's behaviour can also indicate their suicidal intentions. Though the following changes of behaviour could quite possibly be caused by something other than suicide ideation, a person exhibiting such behaviour should still be offered help.

· Lack of energy

· Increase in energy/reckless behaviour

· Disturbed sleep patterns - sleeping too much or too little; nightmares

· Loss of appetite

· Sudden weight gain or loss

· Increase in minor illnesses

· Change of sexual interest – either suddenly withdrawn or suddenly promiscuous

· Menstrual cycle irregularities (often missed periods)

· Sudden change in appearance

· Lack of interest in appearance

· Fear of going 'crazy' – harming self or others

· Exaggerated/extended boredom

· Unusually long grief reactions

Persons who have previously seemed depressed, but now appear happier and more energetic, may also be at risk of suicide. Depression can be so deep as to render a person incapable of doing anything; should the depression lift slightly, the person will have enough energy and motivation to plan a suicide attempt. The formation of a suicide plan can also bring relief and motivation to a person, causing them to behave in ways typical seen as positive.

Suicide prevention

We've recognized the need for help, but how are we supposed to help? Some people are afraid to mention suicide around a depressed friend, fearing that talking about suicide could further influence their friend. On the contrary, showing a willingness to discuss suicide or other serious issues is beneficial. Suicidal teenagers, especially, do not seek help. Adolescents may believe that nothing can help them, or that seeking help is a sign of weakness. However, these thoughts are not limited to teenagers. If you think that someone you know may be contemplating suicide, please do not wait for them to talk to you.

How to help a suicidal friend

Even if you are very close with someone, it may not be easy to find the words to help walk them back from the brink of suicide.

What you should - and shouldn't - do if someone is feeling suicidal

Listen: Give them your undivided attention. Practice active listening by repeating/rephrasing some of what they tell you back to them so they know they you're listening. Don't try to turn the conversation onto yourself, or someone you know who's 'gone through the same thing'. Listen to the person who needs your help.

Respect and acknowledge someone who is feeling suicidal

Accept and acknowledge what they say, even if their feelings or perceptions seem distorted. Don't pity or patronize them. Don't dismiss their feelings as 'the blues' or give the empty assurance that 'everything will be alright'. Don't tell them to 'cheer up'. Don't try to take charge of the conversation or interrogate. Listen to the person who needs your help.

Show that you care

Physical presence is more sincere than a voice or line of text on the phone. If it's possible, go to the person who needs your help. Pamper them. Cook for them, play their favourite music, hug them, hold them tight if they want to cry to you. And listen. Don't go away.

Help your suicidal friend get help

Remove lethal objects (pills, firearms, etc.) from the area. Help them find counseling or medical services. Become a reason for them to keep living.

Suicide Hotlines

In the U.S.:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline:

1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

Deaf Hotline: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889)

For persons not residing in the United States, here are suicide hotlines listed by country.

More numbers can be found by calling 411 or 0 and asking for a hotline. Check the FRONT pages of the phone book for:

* suicide prevention

* crisis intervention

* hotlines - crisis or suicide

* community crisis centre

* county mental health centre

* hospital mental health clinic

Calling one of these numbers will connect you with a person who wants to help you, whether you yourself are suicidal or someone you care about is. These lines are open 24/7, and can connect you with services in your immediate area. These services are free and confidential. In addition to suicide and crisis counseling, help can also be given for GLBT issues, abuse and economic problems.

Suicide prevention - organisations

To Write Love On Her Arms is an organisation dedicated to help cutters and suicidal teenagers.

Additionally, if you want to help suicidal strangers, you can join a suicide prevention group. Befrienders.org has information on joining their organization, as well as setting up your own phone help-line. An Internet search for suicide prevention organizations in your area will most likely yield results for groups that will accept your efforts. You'll have to go through training, of course, and probably won't receive monetary compensation. But, imagine – you can save a life!

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