Suicide Prevention: Do Not Give Up, You are Not Alone

Suicide is defined as death caused by self-directed injurious behaviour with intent to die as a result of that behaviour. It is a complicated phenomenon that is occurring globally. The stigma around mental illness is substantial, making it difficult to penetrate into the overpowering and profound reasons that lead to suicide. The problem has not been satisfactorily addressed due to prejudice, lack of awareness and openness about the phenomenon.

Risk factors for suicide

These are the factors or circumstances that can increase the likelihood of suicide- these could be individual, relationship, community or societal factors

1. Prolonged untreated mental illnesses such as depression, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder.
2. Major life crisis such as death of a loved one/caregiver, separation or desertion, divorce, chronic emotional or physical abuse or violence, sexual abuse/ violence, poverty/unemployment, disappointments/breakups, chronic neglect by loved ones/guardians.
3. Poor community or spiritual support
4. Lack of access to mental health services
5. Severe or chronic stress
6. Bullying, unjust treatments and discriminations
7. Overwhelming societal and cultural pressures
8. Academic failures
9. Exposures to suicides through media or at home
10. Low frustration tolerance and high impulsivity in a person.
11. Terminal illnesses or serious illness such as chronic pain
12. Criminal/legal problems

Men’s mental health matters

Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, reasons include lack of communication and openness about their mental health condition. Men are lauded for their ability to bottle up thoughts and feelings unlike women. Many cultures expect them to be “strong” and discourage them on admitting vulnerability in regards to their emotional wellbeing.

Furthermore, men are more likely to have a strong intent in completing the act of suicide and often choose more lethal suicide methods than women which lead to higher mortality.

Warning signs

Situational cues

Examine if the person has had any major life change (recent or past) which might include loss of job, loss of a loved one (natural death or by suicide), high conflict relationships and physical disabilities. Family history of suicide can also be considered as an indicator.

Behavioural cues

Might include an abrupt change in the person’s behaviour compared to his/her early ways of functioning. For example, initiation or increase in alcohol or drug abuse, sudden changes in appearance, poor self-hygiene, withdrawal or social isolation, insomnia/excessive sleepiness, absenteeism, display of rage, reckless behaviour, preoccupation with death in letters, drawings or scribbles, and drastic mood fluctuations.

Verbal cues

An individual may openly talk about wanting to die or kill themselves, often expressing feelings of hopelessness or a lack of purpose in life. They might frequently make remarks that reflect a sense of being trapped or suggest that they feel like a burden to others. In these conversations, they may also express a belief that there is no reason to live, further indicating their deep emotional distress.

Preventative steps

1. Empathetic listening
2. Early identification and intervention
3. Eliminate or reduce access to harmful/ lethal substances or objects from the vicinity of the person having suicidal ideations
4. Identifying reasons for existing. For example, family, friends, etc.
5. Increase community engagement and support
6. Introduce mental health awareness in schools and colleges
7. Training of non- specialized health care workers in early identification and assessment of suicidal patients

Initiating conversations about suicide is vital for spreading awareness among the general public, students, organizations and governments. Furthermore, we need to work in collaboration with other healthcare personnel to spread mental health awareness to create a suicide-free world.

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