What is suicide?

Suicidal behaviour is complex. It occurs when someone deliberately inflicts physical harm on himself. It may not mean the person really wants to die, but the person may only wish to escape from unbearable pain or frustration which is caused by a wide variety of problems.

What sort of things contribute to someone feeling suicidal?

A number of factors and stressful life events may trigger or lead to a suicide attempt, including:

• Feeling depressed or isolated with no one to talk to
• Broken relationship
• Family breakdown
• Illnesses or loss of health
• Work or school pressure
• Experience a loss of job, money, status or self-esteem
• Physical and sexual abuse
• Alcohol and drug misuse

What are the early warning signs?

A person who is thinking of taking his own life may show one or more of the following signs in the days, weeks or months beforehand:

• Expressions of feelings of uselessness, hopelessness and despair
• An overwhelming sense of failure, shame or guilt
• Written or spoken notice of intention to commit suicide
• Talk about death, "going away" and inappropriately saying goodbye
• Giving away of favourite possessions
• Withdrawal from friends or family; unwilling to communicate or exhibit an overwhelming urge to be alone
• A dramatic change in personality or appearance
• Exhibiting an irrational or bizarre behaviour
• Swinging mood from a period of deep gloom or depression to a period of cheerful and calmly mood

What to do if someone I know threatens suicide?

If someone mentions suicide to you, take it seriously and do not wait it out to see if he or she will feel better. The following approach may be helpful:

• Offer to talk and listen to the person.
• Discuss his or her concerns and refer the person to professional help, e.g. a counselor, social worker or a doctor.
• Ask the person to keep the telephone number of a crisis service at hand in case urgent need is required, e.g. Samaritan.
• Stay with the person if they are at high risk.
• Limit the person's access to large amounts of medication, or other lethal means of committing suicide.
  

How can I help myself if I have suicidal thoughts?

There are many ways in which you can help yourself if you have suicidal thoughts:

• Talk to anyone you know of as soon as you can: a friend, a relative, a priest or a counselor.
• Call the suicide crisis line. If you do not feel comfortable talking about yourself in front of others or with anyone you know, you can try telephone counseling services which can give you opportunity to discuss things anonymously. It has worked well for many men too.
• Make an agreement with one or more people that you will call them if you actually plan to attempt suicide.
• Tell your doctor if your thoughts are associated with depression, delusions or other symptoms. The doctor can offer treatment to help you.

Remember: Seek help immediately when you are feeling frustrated, isolated or being left out. You are not alone. There are many people around you who can offer help. In addition, there are many agencies and support groups available for initial and ongoing support.