Suicidal ideasSuicide is a state of severe disturbance, a failure of containing intolerable thoughts and feelings, in which death attractively offers a means of escape. It is assumed that when people commit suicide or attempt to commit suicide they are either in a depressive state, it is a cry for help or it is an attempt to manipulate others.
The ruthless abandonment of life is often easier to focus on than the suffering, pain and despair represented in this act.
When a person acts on suicidal ideas, they act out of a fantasy in which the intended outcome of action is death of the body. The starkness and violence inherent in suicidal acts, destroying one's body and the mind of another can overshadow the capacity for thought and compassion which is needed to have meaningful conversations about suicidal ideas and improve Suicide Prevention.
Suicide or attempted suicide
When we read about suicide in the media our attention is drawn to completed suicides opposed to attempted suicide and often fear and guilt are stirred up, creating the need for something or someone to blame like a victim and perpetrator. Family and friends are often taking responsibility for the victim's despair, desperate to rescue themselves as if they are the perpetrator.
In no way do I wish to overlook completed suicide as there are no words to express the intolerable pain and anguish experienced by families, friends and colleagues from losing a loved one. Neither do I want to diminish the despair of attempting to commit suicide and waking up wanting to crawl back into a black hole with no room to think about yourself or others. Both paths heavily laden with pain, doubt, despair and unrest.
Suicide Facts
It is estimated that around 4,400 people commit suicide in England each year, around 75% of suicides are men aged 35-49 that is one death every two hours and at least 10 times that number attempt suicide.
Suicidal ideas are experienced by more people than we would like to imagine affecting our lives at home, work or in business. It is in these environments that potentially we can have the biggest impact but such conversations are rare and perhaps even avoided. Despite talking openly about suicidal ideas spreads awareness which is the greatest suicide prevention.
Risk Factors
Those at the highest risk of suicide are people suffering from alcoholism, clinical depression or schizophrenia. There are other factors that increase risk of suicide which include drug and alcohol misuse, social isolation and family breakdown. People with a diagnosed mental health condition are at particular risk. Around 90% of suicide victims suffer from a psychiatric disorder at the time of their death. However most people experiencing suicidal ideas are not engaged in any mental health services. Hence it is important for all of us to understand the danger signals.
What to look out for? 10 danger signals.
1. Be aware of any previous suicide attempts. Up to 20% of survivors try again within a year and are 100 times more likely to go on to complete suicide than those who have never attempted suicide.
2. Be aware of an actual or attempted suicide by a parent or close relative, often suicidal ideas can be linked back to unfinished or unacknowledged battles of childhood.
3. Self Harm or cutting represent a wish for help & may signal previous suicide attempts. However not everyone engaging in self harm is able to use professional help. Do not be put off. Keep offering professional help as an option.
4. A recently experienced failure. Poor self esteem and extremely self critical beliefs, will increase feelings of failure. It may require additional thought around interviews or new relationships anything that may increase the risk of rejection.
5. Withdrawals from others into the body may represent an acting out on their own body. Look out for a change in appearance. Looking unkept, dirty clothes, not eating or sleeping too much.
6. Acting recklessly putting themselves at risk with no concern for the consequences. You may have noticed an increased use of drugs, alcohol, gambling or other risk taking behaviour.
7. Threatening to hurt or kill themselves if you don't do something. If a person is blackmailing you with suicide and you give into what they want it can reinforce the idea that they are not responsible for their own body. But under such pressure it difficult not to do what they want but think it through avoid making a quick decision.
8. Formation of a suicide plan which may not be obvious. Look out for writing or talking about death, dying or suicide.
9. Loss of concern for self and others. If there are signs of letting go of possessions, sorting out affairs/ finances, getting rid of belongings or their pet. Not engaging in activities or with people they usually enjoy.
10. Episodes of rage and anger. This can be a way of expressing unmanageable thoughts & feelings. The violence inherent in suicide can often be overlooked due to the desperation & despair.
What shall I do if I notice any danger signals?
If your path is hidden in the shadows of pain, despair, doubt or unrest and you recognise you are experiencing some of these warning signals it maybe the last thing on your mind to go to your GP but they can refer you to a specialist service. Alternatively their are many online forums, or helplines like the Samaritans that offer support 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Don't panic, seek professional guidance and don't be afraid to talk to the person you are concerned about encouraging them to seek help but it is not your responsibility to prevent them from killing themselves.
Ultimately suicide is not always preventable and there are not always danger signals. However we can spread awareness. Be bold and have a conversation, making a connection can be the greatest suicide prevention.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings due to an
addiction we specialise in helping people build their personal power,
gain control and overcome their addictions. Visit http://www.trans-formation.org.uk/blog/ to read more of our blogs on addiction.
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