Information / How to Help

Suicide is a serious problem in this country.  It is currently the second leading cause of death for youth between 16 and 24.  Suicide is serious and if you know someone who you feel might be suicidal the following information maybe of help to you.  Please remember that if you are supporting someone who is suicidal, it is very important for you to remember to take care of yourself as well.

Eight out of ten people who kill themselves have given definite clues as to their intentions.  The following are some of the more common clues.

Emotional Clues

• depressed and sad
• mood change (depressed to elated or vice versa)
• tearful
• sullen
• quiet, withdrawn
• inability to concentrate, agitated
• feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, self-hate

Behavioural Clues

• sudden change in behaviour
• giving away favorite possessions
• drug and/or alcohol abuse
• thanking people for their kindness, settling affairs, tying up loose ends, writing good-bye letters
• previous suicide attempt by themselves or family members or friends

Physical Clues

• loss of interest in appearance
• loss of interest in friends, activities, and/or intimate (or sexual) relationships
• loss of energy
• poor sleep habits (either sleeping all the time or hardly ever sleeping)
• weight gain or loss

Verbal Clues

• no longer communicating effectively with others, isolating themselves
• speaks of not being here in the future: e.g. "They'd be better off without me" or "You won't have to worry about me much longer"
• a noticeable absence of any future in conversation
• asks questions about dying
• talks openly about suicide

If someone you know is displaying the above "warning signs or clues" they may be seriously considering suicide.  This does not mean that they are "crazy" but probably means they have too much pain in their life right now and cannot find a way to manage it.

Here are some ways to be helpful to someone who is threatening suicide

• Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.

• Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.

• Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.

• Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.

• Don't dare him or her to do it.

• Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.

• Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.

• Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.

• Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.

• Get help from persons or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

Be Aware of Feelings

Many people at some time in their lives think about committing suicide. Most decide to live, because they eventually come to realize that the crisis is temporary and death is permanent. On other hand, people having a crisis sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable and feel an utter loss of control. These are some of the feelings and things they experience:

• Can't stop the pain

• Can't think clearly

• Can't make decisions

• Can't see any way out

• Can't sleep, eat or work

• Can't get out of depression

• Can't make the sadness go away

• Can't see a future without pain

• Can't see themselves as worthwhile

• Can't get someone's attention

• Can't seem to get control

If you experience these feelings, get help!
If someone you know exhibits these symptoms, offer help!

Contact

• A community mental health agency
• A private therapist or counsellor
• A school counsellor or psychologist
• A family physician
• A  crisis center

Remember

• Stay with them or arrange for someone to be there.
• Remove lethal weapons or other methods on hand.
• Get help - don't try to carry this responsibility alone.
• Above all, have the courage to act. It is worth the risk of "overreacting" if it averts a tragedy.

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