Suicide Awareness and 5 Ways You Can Help Someone in Crisis

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So, if you find yourself feeling anxious or irritated during your next interview, Philip Fredric, Job Counsellor at PsyMood, and us at PsyMood created some tips for coping with interview stress: 

September is suicide awareness month. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Burden of Disease study estimate that almost 800,000 people die from suicide every year. However, with timely intervention and awareness, suicides can be prevented.

What Does Suicide Look Like Globally?

In 2019, around 1.3% of deaths in the world were from suicide and the percentage differs between countries. For example,  South Korea has the highest rate of suicide with a staggering 4.5% of all deaths being suicide. Sri Lanka’s suicide rates are amongst the second highest at 3.3% of all deaths being suicide. On the other hand, Greece and Indonesia have the lowest rates of suicide with only 0.4% of deaths being related to suicide. 

Age and Suicide

Age plays a huge role in suicide rates. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people however, this does not mean suicide is more common in young people than in older people. Globally, suicide rates are highest in people aged 70 years and older. Higher suicide rates among elderly can be due to many different factors. The most common ones being social isolation, grief due to loss of loved ones, physical illnesses, chronic pain, disabilities, mental illnesses, mental impairments, and financial struggles. 

Gender and Suicide

Suicide also looks different between genders. Suicide is more common in men than women in all countries, where the rates in men can be twice as high. The exact percentage ranges drastically between countries. For example, across Eastern Europe, suicide rates among men are 6-7 times higher than among women, while in countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh there is almost no difference.  

Possible Risk Factors

The main risk factor associated with suicide is a history of suicide attempts, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, a family history of a mental disorder, a family history of suicide, the presence of firearms, and exposure to others’ suicidal behaviour, (directly or indirectly).

What Behaviours to Look for Someone in Crisis  

People who are considering suicide are not always depressed or look sad.  Some people may even seem happier than normal or even seem like they are experiencing a manic episode. It is important to know what behaviours can be an indicator of someone considering suicide. Some non-verbal suicidal behaviours of suicide are; withdrawal from social activities, a drop or change in mood, an increase in reckless behaviour, impulsive decisions, or giving away sentimental or expensive possessions. 

Some verbal indicators that someone is thinking about suicide are expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, failure to see a future or talk about a future, expressing that they feel like a burden, expressing loneliness, and talking about death or wanting to die. 

5 Tips in How to Help Someone in a Crisis

1. Ask them Directly. If you think someone is thinking about suicide, ask them directly. It might be a hard topic to bring up, but it can help save someone’s life.
2. Listen to them. Someone planning to commit suicide, or someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts often feels alone. Let them know that you are here for them and want to listen to them.
3. Do a wellness check. If you suspect someone is in crisis, make sure you provide a wellness check. You can do this by either checking in on them and making sure they do not have access to weapons, medication or other harmful materials. Or you can also call 9-1-1, or bring them to their local emergency department, or call the local crisis line and request a wellness check and you can stay anonymous.  The operator or social worker will guide and ask you the needed information to help.
4. Don’t keep suicidal behaviours a secret! If someone you know is exhibiting suicidal thoughts or behaviours, do not keep it a secret. It is crucial you let someone know so that they can get the help they need.
5. Seek professional help. If someone you know is exhibiting suicidal behaviour, make sure they seek professional help from a doctor, counsellor, psychologist, social worker, or suggest a mental health platform like PsyMood

On Wednesday September 28th at 7 PM EST on LinkedIn Live,  PsyMood & UMind will be host a free event about  « Youth Suicide Prevention & Life Promotion: Creating Hope Through Action« .  We hope you can join us at this event.

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