| |
Canterbury Suicide
Project - Helping Someone who might be at Risk of Suicide
WARNING SIGNS
There is no typical suicide victim. However, there are some common warning
signs which, when acted upon, can save lives. Here are some signs to
look for:
A person might be suicidal if he or she:
- Talks about committing suicide
- Has trouble eating or sleeping
- Experiences drastic changes in behavior
- Withdraws from friends and/or social activities
- Loses interest in hobbies, work, school, etc.
- Prepares for death by making out a will and final arrangements
- Gives away prized possessions
- Has attempted suicide before
- Takes unnecessary risks
- Has had recent severe losses
- Is preoccupied with death and dying
- Loses interest in their personal appearance
- Increases their use of alcohol or drugs
WHAT TO DO
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/ropes/hoses or stockpiled
pills.
- Get help from persons or agencies specialising in psychiatric or
mental health services, crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
Be Aware of Feelings
While quite a lot of people, at some time in their lives, think about
committing suicide, the clear majority decide to live, because they eventually
come to realize that the crisis is temporary and death is permanent.
On the other hand, people having a crisis sometimes perceive their situation
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 has these symptoms, offer help or get help
for them!
Contact:
- A family doctor, General Practitioner or Medical Centre
- A community mental health centre
- A private therapist, counsellor or psychologist
- A school counsellor
- Contact one of the Personal Help Services listed on page 4 of your
phone book
- In an emergency - The Psychiatric Emergency Service at your local
hospital's Emergency Department.
(adapted from the American Association of Suicidology)
|
|
