It affects all of us ...
Suicide is a universal human concern.
People who kill themselves come from a diverse range of backgrounds.Death by suicide is a reality for individuals from many cultural and
religious groups and from all educational and socioeconomic levels.
Any one of us, or someone we love, could be vulnerable to considering
suicide as an escape during a time of personal crisis.
Suicide need
not claim as many lives as it does each year. There is help available AND
we can all play a part in assisting suicidal persons to get the necessary help.
Who's at Risk?
A number of factors have been associated
with suicide deaths in the past. We can use
these as indicators to guide our judgments about
whether someone might be at risk for suicide.
When several of these factors are present together, the danger of a suicidal crisis is high.
High-Risk Factors
- Previous History of Attempts - Persons who
have made one or more attempts in the past.
- Family History of Suicide - Persons who have had
a family member die by suicide. Recent Losses
- Persons who have suffered a recent loss such as a
death, break up of a relationship, loss of job or
recent loss of physical health.
- Level of Support - Persons who are isolated,
and have limited or no access to supportive resources
(e.g., family, friends, caregivers).
- Depression or Mental Illness - Persons who
are currently experiencing symptoms of
depression and/or have a diagnosis of mental
illness.
- Current Level of Stress - Persons who are currently experiencing
a great deal of stress, over which they
feel powerless to control.
- Gender - Men kill themselves three times as often as women do,
often choosing more lethal methods such as firearms, hanging,
jumping.
What are the warning signs?
In addition to attending to the
personal factors already listed,
there are a number of behavioral
signs that might indicate that someone
is considering suicide.
The following are signs and symptoms that a suicidal person might display.
Behaviour Clues
- Noticeable and sudden change in behavior
(e.g., withdrawal or increased risk-taking). Signs of depression,
including eating and sleeping disturbances, low energy level,
crying, isolation. Increased use of alcohol /drugs.
Making final arrangements (e.g., making a will).
- Giving away possessions
Verbal Clues
- Expressions of helplessness and hopelessness. Talking or joking about suicide. Talking about a specific suicide plan, including the method, date, location.
- Talking about having access to the means for killing oneself.
What can you do to help?
- Ask if the person is thinking about suicide. Listen openly and without judging. Believe what the person says and take all threats seriously. Never keep someone's suicidal feelings a secret. Reassure the person that help is available, and support and encourage him/her to reach out to sources of help in the community. Share responsibility by getting others involved.
- Act immediately if you feel someone is at imminent risk for suicide by involving others who can help ... and if necessary make contact with the police, emergency services or a hospital to ensure the person's safety.
What community resources can help?
Page last updated
July 31, 2006
