If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidality, please seek help from a mental health professional or contact lifeline on 13 11 14.
Suicidality refers to thoughts, behaviors, and actions related to the act of taking one's own life. It is a complex and sensitive issue. There are two forms of suicidality:
- Active suicidality - involves intent and planning
- Passive suicidality - a desire to not exist with no intent or desire to make that occur
Symptoms and Signs of Suicidality
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can manifest in various ways. Some common signs and symptoms to be aware of include:
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness and despair
- Talking about death or suicide, or making plans for suicide
- Increased substance abuse
- Withdrawing from social activities and relationships
- Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors
- Sudden changes in mood, such as intense sadness, agitation, or anger
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels
- Giving away personal possessions
Myths about Suicidality
Myth #1 If someone talks about suicide alot (or across a long period of time) they are not at risk
The opposite is in fact true. While people can be highly suicidal and have told no one, someone talking about suicide (even over a very long period of time) is associated with increased risk
Myth #2 If someone has not successfully killed themselves they are not at risk
Most people who have died by suicide have had previous attempts
Myth #3 People who threaten suicide are attention seeking
This myth is extremely damaging to the many people that are in significant distress and have genuine intrusive urges to die. While a small number of people make threats without intent, it is extremely risky to assume no intent. Even health professionals that have extensive experience in this area can have difficulty assessing risk - to dismiss a suicidal gesture is dire. It is important to take all suicidal gestures calmly and seriously.
Myth #4 Suicide is selfish
It is important to understand that when people are mentally well and thinking calmy, they are able to consider the impact on others. However, in situations of accumulative stress and chronic unbearable pain, individuals can get to a point where they cannot think of anything other than their pain and how to end it.
A number of our clients have self reported that during times of extreme distress and high risk they genuinely believed that the world would be a better place without them and that those around them would be relieved if they were to die.
Myth #5 Suicide is painless
Most individuals that have survived a suicide attempt describe the experience as one of extreme prolonged physical, mental, and emotional pain
Myth #6 If someone’s mood picks up they are no longer at risk
Unfortunately the opposite can be true. One protective factor of severe depression is that it involves psychomotor retardation (slowed movement and impaired cognitive function). This makes it very difficult for those in a severe depressive episode to act on suicidal urges. If suicidality continues in the context of an increase in mood, it can put the person at increased risk by increasing their energy and motivation to act on suicidal urges.
An increase in mood can also be a warning sign that someone has set a date to kill themselves and is feeling relief at the belief that they will no longer suffer.
Suicidality Causes and Contributing Factors
Suicidality can be influenced by a combination of genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Some common contributing factors include:
- Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
- Substance abuse issues
- A history of trauma or abuse
- Chronic physical illness or pain
- Family history of suicide or mental health disorders
- Social isolation or loneliness
- Financial or relationship stressors
Treatment Options and Strategies for Suicidality
Treatment for suicidality will depend on the underlying causes and contributing factors. Some common treatment options include:
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and other forms of therapy can help individuals develop coping skills, improve communication, and address underlying mental health issues.
- Medication: Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms of mental health disorders.
- Inpatient treatment: In cases of high suicide risk or severe mental health issues, hospitalisation and intensive treatment may be necessary.
- Support groups: Peer support groups and group therapy can provide a sense of community and understanding for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviours.
Tips for Helping a Loved One with Suicidality
- Encourage open communication: Create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to express their feelings and concerns.
- Be non-judgmental: Listen and empathize without dismissing, minimizing, or judging the individual's feelings or experiences.
- Offer practical support: Help the individual identify and access mental health resources, such as therapy, support groups, or crisis hotlines.
- Stay connected: Regularly check in with the individual and encourage their involvement in social activities.
- Educate yourself: Learn about suicide prevention, mental health disorders, and effective support strategies.
- Seek psychological support: Consider seeing a psychologist that works in the area of suicidality
