How You Can Help With Suicide Prevention: A Compassionate Guide
Key Takeaways:
- Suicide is preventable. With some informed intervention, you can help save a life.
- There is not one singular cause for suicide, it is multifaceted, but the are some common risk factors.
- There are many warning signs of suicide, some may not be very obviously noticeable.
- You should be empathetic and compassionate in your intervention, do not make them feel guilty. Question, persuade, and refer.
According to the Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India report published by the National Crime Records Bureau, 1.71 lakh people died by suicide in 2022. This has resulted in the highest ever recorded suicide rate in the country – 12.4 per 100,000 people. Every year 10th September marks World Suicide Prevention Month, it is a day to remember the lives that have been lost to and impacted by suicide and spread awareness about suicide prevention. |
What Causes Suicide?
Suicide does not exist in a vacuum; multiple social, psychological, biological, and structural factors can come together to push an individual to suicide, there is no single “serious enough” cause. Some risk factors are:
- Stressful life events (loss of a loved one, financial crisis, bullying, academic pressure etc.)
- Mental disorders
- Direct or indirect exposure to suicidal behaviour
- Exposure to abuse, community violence, discrimination
- History of previous suicide attempts
- Family history of suicide and mental disorders
- Chronic illness
- Substance Abuse
What are the Warning Signs of Suicide?
There are many warning signs, some may not be very obvious. Here are some you can look out for:
- Talking frequently about death or dying.
- Giving away personal belongings
- Expressing hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness (“Things would be better if I wasn’t here”, “I don’t want to wake up tomorrow”, “It will never get better”)
- Increased substance use.
- Withdrawal from social life
- Engaging in risky activities
- Stockpiling medication
- Sudden elevated mood after a period of low mood.
- Talking about end-of-life affairs like funeral arrangements or making a will
What Can You Do to Help?
Asking someone whether they have been contemplating suicide does not plant the idea in their head or increase the risk of an attempt. Instead, when approached with compassion, it shows that you care and helps to start an important conversation.
On a personal level, intervention can involve:
- Questioning: Ask whether they have been contemplating harming themselves or have been feeling unhappy lately. Avoid using guilt-inducing language, (“Think about how bad your family will feel”) be compassionate and show that you wish to help because you care. Listen actively to what they have to say, but do not promise any secrecy.
- Persuading: Propose seeking professional help. Do not take the onus of everything on yourself. Explore some reasons to live that do not involve making them feel guilty or belittling them.
- Referring: Refer then to credible, competent, and accessible resources (eg. Crisis helplines, mental health professionals)
In a crisis, inform someone who can immediately reach them if you cannot, and ensure that they do not have access to lethal means. Stay with them till professional help is available. Check in on them regularly.
Conclusion
Suicide is a systemic issue which requires large-scale societal intervention like stabilising economic conditions, destigmatising suicide, reducing access to lethal means, promoting protective communities, et. cetera. Such change begins with sensitisation on a personal level. Don’t ignore the warning signs and question with compassion.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, the following helplines might be useful:
all: 9152987821
Vandrevala Foundation: 9999666555
Samaritans Mumbai: 116 123
Tele MANAS: 14416 or 1-800 891 4416
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