Written by Mondia Corporate Care

18 September 2024

1. 10 September 2024 is World Suicide Prevention Day. What is this all about?  

World Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day always highlighted on the 10^th of September every year, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003.

• According to the World Health Organisation, more than 720 000 people die due to suicide every year.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
• Seventy-three percent (73%) of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.
• The reasons for suicide are multi-faceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life-course.
• For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide. A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide in the general population.

2. Why do people consider suicide?

To those who have not experienced severe feelings of depression and hopelessness, it is often difficult to understand what drives so many individuals to take their own lives.  A suicidal person is in so much pain that they cannot see any other option.

Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable. Blinded by feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and isolation, a suicidal person cannot see any way of finding relief except through death.

Despite their desire for the pain to stop, most suicidal people are deeply conflicted about ending their own lives.  They wish there was an alternative to suicide, but they just cannot see one.

3. What are the main reasons for suicide or suicide attempts?

Depression, Substance Abuse, Bullying, Trauma, Stress, Domestic Violence and Physical illness can be a reason for suicide or suicide attempts.

Suicidal thoughts do not happen overnight and are not caused by a single reason.  People become suicidal for multiple reasons.  It is very important to remember that people who feel suicidal and attempt to die by suicide may, not necessarily want to die.  They may feel like a burden to those around them and believe nothing will ever change.

4. What are the typical risk factors to know about, when it comes to suicide?

Suicide does not discriminate, anyone of any race, gender, age or socio- economic status may feel suicidal.  Even someone who seems to have it all, can be vulnerable to suicide.

Risk Factors: 

• Mental Health issues, like Bipolar Disorder, Depression and Anxiety disorders
• Gender based violence and abusive relationships
• Physical Health conditions like a terminal illness or chronic illness.
• A recent Trauma or life crisis like the death of a loved one.
• Work stress, unemployment, or job loss
• Relationship issues – fights, separations, break-up divorce etc.
• Financial problems or debts
• History is an important contributor.  Previous suicide attempts and a family history of suicide.

5. Can suicide be prevented?

THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT AT LEAST 75% of SUICIDES can be prevented.

There are a few things you can look out for.   See the warning signs.

In most cases, a person who is feeling suicidal will show some warning signs.   These should always be taken seriously and acted on immediately:

• Long-lasting sadness and mood swings
• Withdrawing from others or isolation
• Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
• Changes in personality, appearance, sleeping and eating patterns
• Self-harmful behaviour like drinking and daring, having unsafe sex, increased use of drugs and alcohol.
• Making preparations, like putting personal business in order, making a will, visiting friends and family members, giving away personal possessions.
• Talking about death – saying things like “I want to die” , “ the world would be a better place without me” , “what’s the point” , “nothing will ever change”.
• Assessing lethal means like buying a gun or stocking pills.
• Every threat of suicide should be taken seriously.

6. What should you do, when you recognise some of these warning signs in your own life?

• Get professional help.
• Call a crisis helpline for advice and referrals to see a mental health professional such as a psychiatrists, psychologist, social worker or GP.
• Follow up on treatment. If a doctor prescribes medication, make sure you follow the treatment plan.
• Make positive lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep and getting out in the sun or into nature for at least 30 minutes each day.
• Exercise is also extremely important as it releases good brain chemicals that make you feel well, relieves stress, and promotes emotional wellbeing.
• Make a safety plan with steps to follow when you feel overwhelmed or suicidal again.  It should include contact numbers of your doctor or therapist, as well as friends and family members who will help in an emergency or who can help with coping strategies.

7. Why we should not be afraid to reach out?

• Talking about mental health show great strength.
• It is okay to express how you are thinking or feeling.
• It is okay to not feel okay.
• It is okay to show you are struggling or want some help.

8. How can you help a loved one, when you identify the warning signs?

• Let the person know that you care about them, and that they are not alone.
• Practice an empathetic response with a phrase like, “I can’t imagine how hard or painful this time is for you, but I’d like to try to understand”.
• Avoid judgement – try not to criticize or blame the person. Avoid saying things like …”Why do you feel suicidal”, or “You shouldn’t feel this way”.
• Ask about their reasons for living and dying and listen to their answer.  Try your best to explore reasons for living in greater detail.
• Ask if they have a plan for ending their life.  If they have a plan, encourage them to seek help that they are comfortable with, e.g. see a therapist of doctor or contact a helpline.
• If they do not have a plan, focus on the people they care about, who cares about them and reassure them that this feeling won’t last forever.
• Be proactive.  People considering suicide often don’t believe they can be helped. So don’t wait for the person to reach out.  Drop by or call them.  Your support is vital.

9. Where can you get help?

Please contact our 24-hour helpline at 076 509 4011 for immediate assistance or visit www.mondiahealth.co.za and get in touch for your nearest Mondia Health Facility, where you can be connected to a mental health specialist.

Sources:

www.mondiahealth.co.za

www.sadag.org (SADAG – South African Depression and Anxiety Group)

www.swho.int  (World Health Organization)