“I thought suicide would put a full stop to my pain and that I would no longer need to run away from it,” shares a 26-year-old working professional who survived a suicide attempt after being in the ICU for three days in 2022.
“Living is easy, dying isn’t. It was only after this incident that I realised that living, despite its challenges, is far better than giving up,” she added.
When news of a suicide reaches us, we often find ourselves grappling with questions: “Why did they take this drastic step?” “Was there no one to help them?” “They seemed fine just yesterday.” These questions reflect our struggle to understand another person's pain and our desire to offer help where it might have been needed.
This World Suicide Prevention Day, our “AskTheExpert” campaign aims to address these questions. We reached out to individuals from diverse backgrounds to share their pressing concerns about suicide. Their questions shed light on a subject that impacts countless lives and highlight the importance of understanding and preventing this tragic outcome.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), suicide occurs when someone intentionally harms themselves to end their life, leading to death. A suicide attempt refers to when someone inflicts harm with the intent to end their life but survives the act.
Here are some of the questions people asked to understand more about suicide. Many wanted to know the warning signs, while others sought advice on how to help someone in need. Their inquiries reveal the urgent need to talk openly about this issue and the importance of recognising signs and offering support. Here’s what people wanted to know, along with expert answers that could make a difference.
Key Questions And Answers From The Experts
1. What are the Common Warning Signs of Someone Considering Suicide?
Identifying the warning signs of someone contemplating suicide is essential for offering timely assistance. Dr Raghu K, HOD and Senior Consultant – Psychiatry, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru, shared some of the common signs of suicide:
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness
- Talking about death or suicide
- Withdrawing from social activities
- Drastic changes in behaviour or appearance
- Giving away prized possessions
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
“A person might also exhibit severe mood swings or appear unusually calm after a period of depression, which can indicate a resolve to commit suicide. It's important to take any mention of suicide seriously and seek professional support immediately,” added Dr Raghu.
2. Are Suicidal Thoughts a Separate Mental Health Problem or a Symptom of Depression?
Suicidal thoughts are often a symptom of underlying mental health conditions, most commonly depression. “While they can occur in other mental health issues like anxiety, bipolar disorder, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), they are usually not a separate mental health problem,” explained Dr Raghu.
It is also important to note that, based on 2018 CDC statistics, 54% of individuals who died by suicide did not have a diagnosed mental health condition.
Suicidal thoughts may signal that a person is enduring intense emotional distress and requires immediate support. Addressing the root cause, such as untreated depression, is essential for reducing the risk of suicide.
Also Read: World Suicide Prevention Day: Expert Explains Link Between Mental Health Disorders And Suicide Risk
3. What factors contribute to suicidal ideation and how can they be addressed?
According to a 2024 study, suicidal ideation involves contemplating or planning suicide. It exists on a spectrum, starting with a vague wish to die without a specific plan or intention, and can escalate to active ideation, where there is a detailed plan and strong intent to follow through.
Suicidal ideation often stems from a complex interplay of factors, including mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, traumatic experiences, substance abuse, and overwhelming stress or life crises, said Brittany Hunt – Head of Quality, Innovation and Research Department, Clinic Les Alpes, Switzerland.
Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that combines both immediate interventions and long-term mental health support. It's crucial to recognise that individuals contemplating suicide often believe it's their only escape. They may also be dealing with other, less obvious factors that intensify their despair.
“This includes feeling like people are better off without them, that they make everyone’s lives worse, that they are a burden, or that they can never overcome their suffering or struggles,” added Hunt.
4. How can you tell if your negative thoughts might turn suicidal?
Negative thoughts can escalate into suicidal thoughts, especially if they become persistent and overwhelming. If you find yourself feeling hopeless, worthless, or believing that your situation will never improve, it's crucial to seek help.
“Suicidal thoughts often occur when someone feels stuck in their situation, unable to see a way forward. If these thoughts occur, reach out to a mental health professional immediately,” warned Dr Raghu. Recognising that you need help is a vital step in preventing these thoughts from becoming actions.
5. How can you tell if you're just feeling down or having serious suicidal thoughts?
Differentiating between temporary sadness and serious suicidal thoughts involves recognising intensity and duration. Temporary sadness is usually linked to specific events and resolves over time. Suicidal thoughts, however, are persistent, intense, and often involve planning or intent to harm oneself, added Archana Singhal, Counsellor and Family Therapist, Founder, Mindwell Counsel, Delhi.
If feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or a desire to end one’s life persist or interfere with daily functioning, it’s crucial to seek professional help immediately. It is crucial to seek mental health support from family, friends, and professionals.
6. What kinds of thoughts might a person have when contemplating suicide? Do they not consider their parents' love and effort?
“Suicidal thoughts often involve intense emotional pain, a sense of hopelessness, and a profound feeling of wanting to self-destruct. They cannot seem to see their way out of suffering and may feel disconnected from the love and care of others, including their parents,” said Singhal.
While one may mentally appreciate that their parents care about them, overwhelming distress may make it hard to focus on anything else but pain. That does not mean they don't care; it is just the intensity of their suffering that is filling their minds.
7. How can you support someone who is dealing with suicidal or self-harming thoughts?
Singhal listed some of the measures that you can take to help as follows:
- Active, empathetic listening is crucial when trying to assist someone contemplating suicide or self-harm, rather than being judgemental.
- Provide an opportunity to talk about feelings and ensure that one is heard and understood. Do not provide quick fixes, yet acknowledge their feelings.
- Assist with the creation of a safety plan by removing potentially harmful objects, identifying sources of support, connecting with a therapist or a helpline, keeping in contact, and letting them know regularly that you are thinking about them.
- You should be patient as they work through their emotions.
8. How can you support someone who has survived a suicide attempt, and what are the next steps in their recovery process?
Supporting someone who has survived a suicide attempt involves providing both emotional and practical support. It’s important to listen without judgement, offer reassurance, and encourage them to seek professional help.
“Following a suicide attempt, the recovery process should include specialised counselling and possibly medication management, along with a safety plan that outlines steps the individual and their support network can take if suicidal thoughts recur,” highlighted Hunt.
9. What Should Someone Do If They're a Danger to Themselves and Can't Get Immediate Help?
“If one feels they are dangerous to themselves and cannot get professional help immediately, they should call a trusted friend or family member and not hold back on telling them how they feel,” suggested Singhal.
Anything that might be used to harm oneself should be removed. They could use any of the numerous crisis hotlines or text services for immediate contact. “Perhaps they could use some grounding techniques, such as deep breathing or paying close attention to bodily sensations, to navigate overwhelming feelings until they get help from professionals,” added Singhal. It is also advisable to seek a safe place, such as going to a friend's house.
10. How Can Family Members Cope with the Loss of a Loved One Who Died by Suicide?
Coping with the loss of a loved one to suicide is an incredibly painful experience, often accompanied by feelings of guilt, confusion, and anger. “Family members should seek support from mental health professionals, join support groups for survivors of suicide loss, and allow themselves to grieve without self-blame,” said Dr Raghu.
It's important to understand that suicide is a complex issue, and it's not the result of one person's actions or inactions. Healing involves openly discussing feelings, remembering the positive memories, and possibly engaging in therapeutic activities to process the grief.
11. Are Regular Mental Health Check-Ups Important And How do They Contribute to Suicide Prevention?
Regular mental health check-ups are vital in identifying early signs of distress and preventing the escalation of mental health issues into crises, such as suicide. These check-ups can help establish a routine of mental health care, normalise discussions around mental health, and ensure that individuals feel supported in managing their mental well-being.
“Routine assessments also provide a platform for individuals to discuss their thoughts and feelings openly with a professional, which can be crucial for early intervention and developing effective coping strategies,” said Hunt.
Takeaway
In a world where emotional pain can often go unnoticed, understanding the nuances of suicide and its prevention is crucial. This World Suicide Prevention Day, let’s commit to fostering open conversations, recognising the warning signs, and offering unwavering support to those in need. Remember, every life is worth saving, and sometimes, a simple act of listening can make all the difference.