Introduction
Suicide is a global concern, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. It is a tragedy that claims thousands of lives each year, leaving behind a trail of grief and unanswered questions. Suicide is a complex behaviour that many different factors can influence. Suicide prevention requires a comprehensive approach that combines multiple strategies to reduce risk and strengthen protective factors at the individual, relationship, community, and societal levels. Losing a loved one to suicide can have deep and long-lasting consequences. Families, friends, colleagues, neighbours and communities feel the effects of this suffering and loss. We must do more to prevent these deaths and distress and help all individuals lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Knowing the risk factors and recognising the warning signs for suicide can help prevent suicide. Suicide is linked to mental disorders, particularly depression and alcohol use disorders, and the strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.
Warning Signs
- Talking about being hopeless, worthless or even helpless
- Having no sense of purpose for living and expression of having no reason for living.
- Often talking or writing about death or dying.
- Increased alcohol and drug use.
- Withdrawal from friends, family and community.
- Reckless behaviour or more risky activities, seemingly without thinking.
- Talking about feeling trapped or being a burden to others.
Things to do to help someone who is suicidal
- Be there for them either in person or staying connected through the phone. Let them know that you are present and ready to support them
- Keep them safe by ensuring that access to lethal means for those at risk is reduced.
- Connect them with ongoing support or psychotherapy to help them work on any underlying mental health issues.
Conclusion
While the link between suicide and mental health conditions especially depression and substance use disorders and a previous suicide attempt is well established, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis. The stigma around mental health conditions means many people thinking about suicide do not seek help. Suicides and suicide attempts have a ripple effect that impacts families, friends, colleagues, communities and societies. It is important to encourage open conversations, reduce stigma, and support those in need.
By Sylvia Okwarah- Clinical Psychologist
