More than 150 000 South Africans attempt suicide each year. Of them, one in ten women and one in three men succeed, according to the South African Society of Psychiatrists. What are the warning signs of suicide?
In South Africa, hanging is the most frequently employed method of suicide, followed by shooting and gassing.
But what puts people at risk of committing or attempting suicide and what can you do if you are worried about a loved one?
According to the Depression and Anxiety Support Group, the following are danger signals of suicide:
Previous suicide attempts:
Between 20 and 50 percent of people who kill themselves had previously attempted suicide. Those who have made serious suicide attempts are at a much higher risk for actually taking their lives.
Talking about death or suicide:
People who commit suicide often talk about it directly or indirectly. Be alert to such statements like, "My family would be better off without me." Sometime those contemplating suicide talk as if they are saying goodbye or going away.
Planning for suicide:
Suicidal individuals often arrange to put their affairs in order. They may give away articles they value, pay of debts or a mortgage on a house, or change a will.
Although most depressed people are not suicidal, most suicidal people are depressed. Serious depression can be manifested in obvious sadness, but often it is expressed instead as a loss of pleasure or withdrawal from activities that had once been enjoyable.
Be particularly concerned about depressed persons if at least five of the following symptoms have been present nearly every day for at least two weeks:
Depressed mood, change in sleeping patterns
Change in appetite or weight
Speaking and/or moving with unusual speed or slowness
Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
Decrease in sexual drive
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feelings of worthlessness, self-reproach, or guilt
Diminished ability to think or concentrate, slowed thinking or indecisiveness
Thoughts of death, suicide, or wishes to be dead
Additional factors that point to an increased risk for suicide in depressed individuals are:
Extreme anxiety, agitation, or enraged behaviour
Excessive drug and/or alcohol use or abuse
History of physical or emotional illness
Feelings of hopelessness or desperation
What can you do to help?
Take it seriously
75 percent of all suicides give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member. All suicide threats and attempts must be taken seriously, even those of teenagers among whom such threats are more common.
Be willing to listen
Take the initiative to ask what is troubling them, and attempt to overcome any reluctance to talk about it. Even if professional help is indicated, the person you care for is more apt to follow such a recommendation if you have listened to him or her. If your friend or relative is depressed, don’t be afraid to ask whether he or she is considering suicide, or even if they have a particular plan or method in mind.
Do not attempt to argue anyone out of suicide. Rather, let the person know you care and understand, that he or she is not alone, that suicidal feelings are temporary, that depression can be treated, and that problems can be solved. Avoid the temptation to say, "You have so much to live for", or "Your suicide will hurt your family".
Seek professional help
Be actively involved in encouraging the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately. Since suicidal people often don’t believe they can be helped, you may have to do more. You can make a difference by helping those in need find a knowledgeable mental health professional or a reputable treatment facility.
In an acute crisis
Take the person to an emergency room or walk-in clinic at a psychiatric hospital. Do not leave the person alone until help is available. Remove from the vicinity of the potentially suicidal person any firearms, drugs, razors or scissors that could be used in a suicide attempt.
Medication and/or hospitalisation may be indicated and may be necessary at least until the crisis abates. If a psychiatric facility is unavailable, call your local emergency number. Chances are the dispatcher can help you locate immediate psychiatric treatment.
What about follow-up treatment?
Suicidal patients are often hesitant to seek help and may run away after an initial contact unless there is support for their continuing. If medication is prescribed, take an active role to make sure the patient follows his/her prescription, and be sure to notify the doctor about any unexpected side effects. Often, alternative medications can be prescribed. – (Ilse Pauw, Health24)
For more information, contact the Depression and Anxiety Support Group at (011) 783 1474/6.
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