Time to Talk Suicide
Suicidal thoughts can be invasive and terrifying, but the individual may not be planning to act upon them. Fear of death may stop ideation from becoming action.
By Jessica Young, Featured Writer.
We spend ample time discussing crises that pose a risk to human life, the illnesses that snatch loved ones from us and the catastrophes, lest we never forget. 2020 has highlighted just how apparent this is, covid-19 has been unfair to many and proven fatal to over 9998,000 individuals (Google, 2020) a tragedy of our time. Our daily conversations and the media surrounding us are populated with updates and reports of the ongoing situation and rightly so.
The World Health Organisation reports statistics stating near to 800,000 lives are lost every year (World Health Organisation, 2020). Not to a pandemic, not to a disease but to suicide.
And for every life lost there is estimated to be another twenty attempts made (WHO, 2020).
If someone told you they were feeling suicidal, how would that make you feel?
If someone told you they had a suicide plan, would you feel confident in how to respond?
If someone stated they had no one to support them, would you know where to turn?
Suicide becomes a deadly elephant in the room because we are not always educated nor experienced in how to openly discuss it. One of the most effective ways to support someone feeling suicidal is to be direct, do not alienate those who already feel isolated. Some of us may not have passed much thought as to how and when to support another individual.
This article aims to provide some information to assist with identifying, discussing and supporting those who may be at risk of taking their own life. Following the Zero Suicide Alliance (2020), structure of See it (spotting signs & suicide risk indicators), Say it (speaking to individuals directly & openly) and Signpost it (knowing different support routes).
We cannot be responsible for every life that graces us throughout our time but, if an opportunity to make a difference presents itself, we can create change.
It is time to talk suicide.
See: know the risks, spot the signs
Whether it be a loved one, a work colleague or a stranger; suicide can impact anyone around us, it is therefore important we know how to recognise potential indicators. We need insight into what is in front of us, so that we may respond accordingly and in the most helpful way possible. We are all unique in some ways, though there are some universally identified associative factors relating to suicide: risk factors & warning signs.
More information can be found via the Zero Suicide Alliance training available at https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training
A history of self-harm
Previous suicide attempts
Describing themselves as a burden upon others
Isolation and loneliness
Talking about a feeling of being trapped
Displaying extreme mood swings
Increased alcohol or drug use
Talk or harming one’s self or others
(Suicide Prevention Resource Centre, & Rodgers, 2011) and (SAVE, 2020).
Warning signs can present themselves as a combination of the elements mentioned above, this list contains some of the key signals but does not encompass all. If an individual displays these signs it does not necessarily mean that they are going to take their life, but there is a clear indication that it is a possibility.
At which point, it is time to talk.
Say: talk about suicide
Helpful do not pointers,
Do not add extra stress or burden to the individual by stating that they will cause harm or pain to their loved ones by committing suicide; they are under enough strain as is.
Do not combat their thoughts and feelings by telling them they are wrong.
Do not display shock or horror if they disclose suicidal thoughts, feelings or actions. Some of us may never experience suicidal tendencies, but this does not mean it is abnormal for others to do so. Be open.
Are you feeling suicidal?
The key to initiating an open conversation about suicide is to be direct about suicide. Do not beat about the bush, someone’s life could be on the line and it is important that this is addressed swiftly, confidently and directly. Clarify your understanding: “there is no reason in me staying here”, “I am a burden to those around me, I should go”; there are many different ways someone can disclose to you that they want to end their life, are they feeling suicidal?
Have you hurt yourself before? Have you previously attempted suicide?
Individual’s that have self-harmed or previously attempted suicide are more likely to take their own lives. This is a key warning sign and means it is likely that suicidal thoughts are going to be followed through with action.
Do you have a suicide plan? Are you planning to act?
Sometimes suicidal thoughts can be invasive and terrifying, but the individual may not be planning to act upon them. Fear of death is one example of an element that stops ideation from becoming action.
Furthermore, there are also protective factors that decrease the chances of someone committing suicide. These can include; connection to other people, developed coping skills and means, ongoing and reliable support (Suicide Prevention Resources Centre & Rodgers, 2011).
However, if a plan is in place with method, timing and further steps, it is of greater likelihood that the person is going to take their own life. Though, it is not a certainty.
You need to establish through open conversation whether the person is currently safe, is this an immediate or imminent risk to their life? Are they going to act in the imminent or near future?
Signpost: direct towards help and support
It is important to be confident on where to signpost people for further support. Organisations can provide ongoing support, out of hours support, action plans and more. With further support and guidance, we really can save a life.
Samaritans: All age groups (24-hours a day, seven days a week) - 116 123 - [call]
Papyrus: Specifically tailored to under 35-year olds (9am to 10pm weekdays, 2pm to 10pm weekends) - 0800 068 4141 - [call]
Shout: Instant support available by texting ‘Shout’ (24-hours a day, seven days a week) - 85258 - [text]
Elefriends: Online support community run by MIND - www.elefriends.org.uk - [visit online]
Staying Safe: A website orientated around making a safety plan for suicidal experiences - www.stayingsafe.net - [visit online]
Although, it is not just people facing suicidal thoughts and feelings that need support, also those around them and those bereaved by suicide
MIND Infoline: An advice line to provide information and guidance, as well as signposting further support resources and organisations (9am to 5pm, weekdays) - 0300 123 3393 - [call]
Zero Suicide Allowance: Free online training available on supporting suicidal people - www.zerosuicidealliance.com - [visit online]
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS): A supportive community for those bereaved by suicide (helpline 9am to 9pm everyday) - 030 111 5065 - [call]
Cruse Bereavement Care: Further resources and organisations listed to support bereavement by suicide - www.cruse.org.uk/get-help/traumatic-bereavement/suicide - [visit online]
References
Google (2020), covid-19 worldwide death toll [Online]. Available at https://www.google.com/search?q=covid+19+worldwide+death+toll&oq=covid+19+worldwide+de&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0l6.3989j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 (Accessed 29th September 2020).
SAVE (2020), Warning Signs of Suicide [Online]. Available at https://save.org/about-suicide/warning-signs-risk-factors-protective-factors/ (Accessed 25th June 2020).
Suicide Prevention Resource Centre, & Rodgers, P. (2011). Understanding risk and protective factors for suicide: A primer for preventing suicide [Online]. Available at https://www.sprc.org/sites/default/files/migrate/library/RiskProtectiveFactorsPrimer.pdf (Accessed 2nd July 2020).
World Health Organisation (2020), Suicide data [Online]. Available at https://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/suicide/suicideprevent/en/ (Accessed 27th June 2020).
Zero Suicide Alliance (2020), ZSA Training [Online]. Available at https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/training (Accessed 27th June 2020).