Understanding Suicide: Risk Factors, Indicators and Prevention

Suicide and Parasuicide

On September 10th, we celebrated World Suicide Prevention day due to the fact that suicide is a critical public health issue. Understanding the complexities and risk factors of suicide can save lives. In this blog, we will explore what suicide and parasuicide are, the risk factors and warning signs for both, as well as the necessary intervention strategies to prevent suicide attempts. This information may help you or someone you love.

What is Suicide?

Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. It is often a result of intense psychological distress, where a person feels trapped by overwhelming emotions- believing there is no other way to escape their pain. Sadly, suicide affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds making it crucial to understand the factors that lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

What is Parasuicide?

Parasuicide, on the other hand, refers to an intentional act of self-harm or attempted suicide that does not result in death. It is also more commonly referred to as a “suicide attempt.” While the intent might not necessarily be to die, parasuicide is an attempt to gain relief from inner distress. It is a significant risk factor that increases the probability for future suicide attempts, making it equally important to address.

Suicide Risk Factors

It is crucial to understand the risk factors for suicide can help identify individuals who may be at higher risk. These factors are often a combination of psychological, environmental, and social influences. Common risk factors include:

1. Mental Health Conditions:

Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Long-standing and persistent depression or low mood is associated with a higher risk for suicide.

2. Substance Abuse:

Alcohol and drug abuse often exacerbate mental health issues and impair judgment, leading to impulsive behavior that is associated with a higher risk for suicide.

3. Previous Suicide Attempts:

A history of suicide attempts is one of the most significant indicators that a person may attempt suicide again.

4. Chronic Illness or Pain:

Those suffering from long-term physical illnesses or chronic pain may feel hopeless and see suicide as a way to end their suffering or as a form of relief.

5. Family History of Suicide:

Genetics and a family history of mental health conditions can increase vulnerability to suicide. This can include a biological relative with a history of anxiety or depression for example.

6. Trauma and Abuse:

Experiencing or witnessing abuse, violence, or traumatic events increases the risk of suicidal behavior. This is an event where a person is exposed to actual or threatened death. Threatened death is where someone believes they are going to die for example victims of an armed robbery.

7. Social Isolation:

A lack of supportive relationships can lead to feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. Even if the person has a good support system, they may intentionally isolate themselves or withdraw from all social activity thereby increasing their risk for suicide.

Key Indicators of Suicide Risk

Identifying the warning signs of suicide is crucial in preventing a death. Some common indicators that someone may try to take their lives may include:

1. Talking About Suicide:

Talking about dying, wanting to die, feeling like a burden, feeling life is “too much,” wondering if people would notice if they were gone or having no reason to live are all significant warning signs for a suicide attempt. A person who has a plan and intention for suicide is considered to be a high risk for suicide.

2. Withdrawal from Social Connections:

Pulling away from friends, family, or activities that were once enjoyable. Even if that support system is trying to reach out to the person, they may still choose to withdraw due to feeling overwhelmed by social interactions.

3. Increased Substance Use:

A noticeable escalation in alcohol or drug consumption. Initially this can be a coping mechanism however, it increases impulsive behaviour that is associated with suicide.

4. Mood Swings:

Intense mood changes, especially feeling suddenly calm after a period of depression, can be a warning sign of a suicide attempt.

5. Giving Away Belongings:

Giving away personal possessions or writing a will suddenly can be indicative of someone preparing for death. This does not always indicate suicidal behaviour and the context must always be carefully considered.

6. Self-Harming Behavior:

Any form of self-harm, such as cutting or reckless behavior, should be taken seriously and not merely as “a cry for attention” as some people incorrectly believe.

7. Expressions of Hopelessness:

Phrases like "there’s no point," "I’m trapped," or "things will never get better" often suggest the deep despair underlying suicide attempts.

Intervention: How to Help Someone at Risk

Avoid the myth that those who speak about suicide are “attention-seeking.” This is not true and all verbal expressions relating suicide should be taken as serious.

Suicide is very often a brief window when someone cannot not access the mental health resources or innate hope within themselves to see through this window of despair. A person may believe it is all bad and will forever remain bad when, in fact, this is not the case. An individual that can get through these small windows of despair can often emerge on the other side more hopeful and solution-oriented: grateful that they did not succumb to temporary despair and impulsive action.

If you suspect that someone may be considering suicide, early intervention is vital. Here is a plan to follow:

1. Start a Conversation:

Approach the person with empathy and without any judgment. Express your concern, listen carefully, and ask direct questions like “Are you thinking about suicide?” This shows that you care and are not afraid to discuss the topic. Empathize with them while reminding them that there is hope. Avoid telling them what they must do or how they should get over it. Show that you understand and care. When in doubt, just create a space for them to feel comfortable to speak and supported in that space. You do not need to solve their problems.

2. Encourage Professional Help:

Encourage the person to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapists, counselors, and psychologists can provide significant support and develop treatment plans suited to the individual’s needs and triggers. Having friends being the sole support should be seen as one part of the helping process. It is crucial for them to access help from trained and experienced professionals as the primary part of this helping process. Reach out to me at Brandon Kayat Psychology if you require assistance with this.

3. Create a Safety Plan:

Work with the person to develop a safety plan. This includes identifying warning signs, listing coping strategies, and establishing emergency contacts and plans of action. Remember to be empathetic and do not judge them in these times. Support them in the solution-finding process when creating a safety plan. Allow them to lead this process and support with encouragement.

4. Remove Access to Lethal Means:

If possible, ensure the person doesn’t have access to weapons, medications, or other dangerous items they could use in a suicide attempt.

5. Be Present and Follow Up:

Suicidal thoughts may not disappear quickly, so it’s important to stay involved in the person’s life. Continue to check in on them and provide emotional support. Often just being with them without talking about problems but rather having fun together is enough. Do not feel that you have to be a therapist to them: being the caring and supportive friend is perfect. Remember it is more valuable to help them out of the window of despair than to jump into that hole together with them. Always make sure you are pulling them out of that hole and not being pulled into the hole yourself.

6. Emergency Intervention:

If the risk is immediate, do not leave the person alone. Contact emergency services or take them to the nearest hospital to ensure they get the urgent care they need. Taking them to the emergency unit at the hospital can save their life. This can even extend to involuntary admission to a psychiatric facility as a last resort.

7. Provide useful contacts for them

There are many platforms to assist those who are feeling suicidal:

SOUTH AFRICA:

  • Lifeline

    • 0800012322

  • South African Depression And Anxiety (SADAG) Helpline

    • 0800567567

  • Akeso Crisis Helpline

    • 0861435787

GLOBAL

https://www.suicidestop.com/call_a_hotline.html

Conclusion

Suicide and parasuicide are complex, multifaceted issues that require a compassionate and informed response from a professional and from their social circle. By understanding the risk factors and recognizing the warning signs, you can help prevent suicide attempts and offer critical support to those in need to get them through the small window of despair.

If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out to a professional for help. At Brandon Kayat Psychology, I am dedicated to providing the necessary tools and support for mental well-being to ensure my clients get through that window of despair.

If you found this blog helpful, feel free to share it with others who may benefit as you never know who may be struggling. For further guidance or to schedule an appointment with a licensed therapist, visit www.brandonkayatpsychology.com.

Brandon Kayat

A passionate, holistic Clinical Psychologist providing online and in-person sessions. I work with many different mental health conditions or even just clients who want to try to work to their full potential and grow through Transpersonal, Jungian and African Psychologies among others. Gender-affirming therapy.

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