Life can be very challenging at any time, however at present we are faced with what seems to be many more challenges than usual. There is the increased cost of living, escalating rental costs — if you are fortunate enough to find a place. Interest rates are going up and people are having difficulty covering their mortgages. We have so many more homeless people and everywhere we look there is blatant evidence of greed and corruption.
When people feel overwhelmed by the challenges that life brings, they can become suicidal. They may feel that there is no hope for the future, and that suicide is the only solution to end the pain. Simply said, they may turn to suicide when all other options and solutions seem futile.
However, what is suicide? What triggers a person to suicide? Are there suicide prevention tips we can consider to prevent a person from committing suicide? How do we identify suicidal tendencies?
What Is Suicide?
Suicide is not a serious mental illness. Instead, it is a potential consequence of certain life happenings, crisis, trauma, or mental disorders. According to statistics, suicide rates are high among the elderly, teens, and young adults.
What Triggers a Person to Suicide?
Contrary to popular belief, suicide is not triggered by depression alone. There are many other risk factors that can contribute to the increased risk of suicide. These risk factors include the following:
- Difficult life events
- Job loss
- Financial hardship
- Isolation
- History of substance use
- Mental illnesses
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Previous suicide attempts
- Terminal or chronic illnesses
The Danger Signals of Suicidal Tendencies
Although talking about dying and suicide is an obvious signal, there are other signs that can imply risk. These signs can be in the forms of emotional, behavioral, and verbal clues.
The Emotional Signals
- Depression
- Withdrawal
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Anger
- The lack of interest in fun activities
- Mood swings
- Shame
The Behavioural Signals
- Wanting to isolate from others
- Not communicating with family or friends
- Writing a will
- Giving away important possessions
- Reckless driving
- Aggression
- Increased dosage of drugs and alcohol
- Gathering suicide materials (unprescribed medications or a weapon)
- Internet searches about suicide
The Verbal Signals
- Not wanting to exist
- Feeling that life has no purpose
- Feeling like a burden
- Wanting to kill themselves
Suicide Prevention: What Can You Do?
If you know people who are showing any of these danger signals, know that you have the power to help them. Do not hesitate to be direct to the point when asking questions. Ask if they are planning to suicide? If the answer is a maybe or a yes, assist them in seeking immediate help. Encourage them to call one of the hotlines to speak with a counselor — someone who knows what to say.
Suicide can be prevented, and people who feel hopeless can still live normally. Though you can’t really control a person’s action, your intervention can still be very powerful.
In Australia there are many resources available to help such as Lifeline 13 11 14 for Crisis Support Suicide Prevention or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. Plus your local doctor or pharmacy will be able to advise on where to get help.