This refers to when a person harms themselves with the goal of ending their life, and they pass away as a result.

A Suicide Attempt: Refers to when a person harms themselves with the goal of ending their life, but they do not pass away.

Suicidal thoughts do not happen overnight and are not “caused’’ by a single reason. People who feel suicidal, attempt or pass away by suicide may not necessarily want to die; they may feel like a burden to those around them and believe nothing will ever change. Suicide does not discriminate but can affect anyone despite their race, gender, age or socioeconomic status.

Causes of suicide include but are not limited to:

Depression, substance abuse, bullying, trauma, domestic violence & physical illness, mental health issues, work stress, unemployment, financial problems, etc.

In most cases, a person who is feeling suicidal will show some warning signs. These ought to be taken seriously and acted on immediately.

Warning signs include:

1. Long-lasting sadness & mood swings
   
2. Withdrawing from others or isolation
   
3.  Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
   
4. Changes in personality, appearance, sleeping & eating patterns
   
5. Self-harm behavior like drinking & driving, having unsafe sex, increased use of drugs and/or alcohol
   
6. Making preparations like putting personal business in order, making a will, visiting friends and family members, giving away personal possessions
   
7. Talking about death-saying things like “I want to die”, “the world would be better without me”, “what’s the point, nothing will ever change’’
   
8. Accessing lethal means like buying a gun or stocking pills

Not everyone who is considering suicide will say so and not everyone who threatens suicide will follow through with it. However, every threat of suicide should be taken seriously.

Treatment for a suicidal person:

1. Getting professional help; this can be through a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or GP. If medication is prescribed; it should be taken accordingly.
   
2. Make positive lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, and getting out in the sun or into nature for about 30 minutes each day.
   
3. Exercise is also important as it releases good brain chemicals that make you feel well, it relieves stress and promotes emotional well-being.
   
4. Make a safety plan; these are steps to follow if you feel very overwhelmed or suicidal again. The plan should include contact numbers of your doctor or therapist as well as friends and family members who will help in an emergency and with coping strategies.

Example of safety plan:

1. Contacts (list people that you know who will be there for you when you need them most)
   
2. Distractions (list things that help to distract you, e.g. Deep breathing, go for a walk or listen to music)
   
3. My reasons for living (Mention the positive things in your life: eg. Positives in life, a pet or friend)

How to help a loved one:

1.  Let the person know that you care about them and that they are not alone
   
2.  Practice an empathetic response with a phrase like, “I can imagine how hard or painful this time is for you, but I would like to try to understand”.
   
3. Avoid judgement; try not to criticize or blame the person. Avoid saying things like “Why do you feel suicidal?” or “You shouldn’t feel this way”.
   
4. Ask about their reasons for living and dying and listen to their answer. Try your best to explore reasons for living in greater detail.
   
5. Ask if they have a plan for ending their life. If they have a plan, encourage them to seek help that they are comfortable with eg. For counselling, or seeing  a Doctor of Therapist
   
6. If they do not have a plan, remind them to focus on the people they care about, who cares about them and reassure them that this feeling won’t last forever.
   
7. Be proactive. Those contemplating suicide often don’t believe they can be helped, so don’t wait for the person to reach out.
   
8. Drop by or call them; your support is vital.