How To Stop People Who Commit Suicide: Prevention Strategies

Suicide is often a tragic response to intense suffering and a feeling of unbearable pain. Individuals who consider suicide typically experience overwhelming emotions such as deep self-hatred, hopelessness, and a sense of isolation, making it hard for them to envision any solution other than death. Although they may desperately wish for an alternative to ending their lives, their mental state can prevent them from seeing possible ways out of their distress. Essentially, suicide can be seen as a last resort for those who feel utterly trapped by their circumstances and emotional pain.

India and China account for 40 percent or more of the 800,000 annual suicide deaths globally (World Health Organisation, 2014). The majority of the people who commit suicide are men and in the younger age groups.

Despite the gravity of the problem, information about the causes of suicide and risk factors is insufficient. After making careful observations, we have found a number of different causes of suicide as to why someone does it.

Some of the most common causes of suicide are as follows:

• Discord in the family / Sibling rivalry
• Having an abusive relationship
• Using drugs / Abusing alcohol
• Having feelings of guilt and anger
• Ongoing exposure to bullying behavior
• Suffering from some physical or mental ailment
• Performing poorly at school or the workplace
• Having a history of suicide in the immediate family or friend circle
• Grief over the loss of a loved one
• Unable to handle problems in life because of depression.

Lately, due to the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases of emotional distress, depression, and anxiety. Teenagers who have been isolated from their social circles, friend groups, and outdoor activities are experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression. Depression is one of the leading causes of suicide among teens. They feel as if life is too much for them to handle, and they cannot look past those negative life experiences.

50 to 60 percent of all people who have died because of suicide gave some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member (WMICH). Teenage suicide has also become very common in the recent past. Some of these warning signs are constant lack of energy, sleep disturbances, inability to concentrate, talking about hopelessness and death, impulsive, reckless behavior, etc. The chances of committing suicide increases with the number of attempts a teenager makes. And above all, teenage suicides can be prevented by ensuring proper communication and therapy.

Isolation can be one of the final nudges that push an individual towards taking their own life. Now that we are confined to our houses, with minimal social interaction, the need to talk about suicide has never been more important. This global pandemic has made us face new realities of working from home, home-schooling, temporary unemployment, and lack of physical contact with friends and co-workers. Looking after our mental, as well as our physical health, is of utmost importance now.

Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is crucial for prevention. Here are key indicators that someone may be considering suicide, summarized into clear points:

• Expressing Suicidal Thoughts: Direct statements or hints about wanting to harm themselves or end their life, such as "I wish I were dead" or "I can't see any way out."
• Fascination with Death: An unusual preoccupation with death, dying, or violence, including writing or talking extensively about these topics.
• Seeking Means to Suicide: Actively looking for ways to kill oneself, like searching for guns, pills, or other lethal objects.
• Hopelessness: Expressing a deep sense of hopelessness about the future, with beliefs that nothing will ever improve or change.
• Overwhelming Feelings of Self-Loathing: Strong feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred, often stating they feel like a burden to others.
• Putting Affairs in Order: Suddenly organizing personal affairs, making a will, or giving away valued possessions as if preparing for their absence.
• Saying Goodbye: Making unexpected or unusual calls or visits to say goodbye to friends and family, as if they won't be seen again.
• Withdrawal: Pulling away from social interactions, wanting to be left alone, and isolating from friends and family.
• Engaging in Risky Behavior: Showing reckless behavior, such as increased use of alcohol or drugs, driving dangerously, or engaging in unsafe sex, as if they don't care about living.
• Dramatic Mood Swings: Experiencing significant changes in mood, from extreme depression to a sudden calmness, which may indicate they have decided to end their life.

Understanding and acting on these signs can save lives. If you notice someone displaying any of these behaviors, it's important to express your concern, offer support, and seek professional help immediately.

Suicide risk can affect anyone regardless of their background, but certain factors can increase the likelihood of someone considering or attempting suicide. Here are the primary risk factors, summarized into key points:

• Previous Suicide Attempts: Individuals who have attempted suicide in the past are at a higher risk of trying again.
• Mental Health Disorders: Conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders significantly elevate the risk, especially when not treated.
• Substance Use Disorders: Abuse of alcohol, drugs, and other substances can increase vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• Chronic Pain: Ongoing physical pain can lead to despair and suicidal thoughts.
• Family History: A background of mental health disorders or substance abuse in the family, as well as a family history of suicide, raises the risk.
• Exposure to Violence: Experiencing or witnessing family violence, including physical or sexual abuse, can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
• Access to Firearms: The presence of guns or other firearms in the home can increase the risk, particularly if someone is already considering suicide.
• Recent Release from Incarceration: Individuals recently released from prison or jail may face challenges that increase their suicide risk.
• Exposure to Suicide: Knowing someone personally, such as a family member, peer, or even a celebrity, who has attempted or committed suicide can influence suicidal behavior.
• Stressful Life Events: Experiences like the loss of a loved one, legal or financial problems, and significant life changes can act as catalysts, especially when combined with other risk factors.
• Interpersonal Stress: Experiencing bullying, discrimination, relationship issues, or any form of harassment can contribute to the risk, particularly in vulnerable individuals.

While these factors can increase the risk, it's crucial to remember that not everyone with these risk factors will attempt suicide. However, recognizing and addressing these risks, especially when someone shows warning signs of suicide, is vital for prevention and providing the necessary support and intervention.

Family and friends are the ones who need to look for signs of suicide, and they should be able to differentiate them from the usual thread. If the family member feels that their loved one is depressed and suffering from a feeling of worthlessness, they should take it seriously and seek professional help immediately.

The person should not be left alone, and the family members should try to encourage him or her to open up and speak about their feelings. Families need to be supportive and help their loved ones overcome depression and the unwanted feelings they are experiencing.

On an individual level, we can educate ourselves and create a safe space for dialogue for people with suicidal thoughts and prevent suicides. Here are a few steps that we can take to prevent suicides-

• Work towards eradicating the stigma around mental health by talking about it.
• Familiarise yourself with common warning signs
• Check in on people and remind them that they are not alone
• Be a good listener and offer support⁣
• Encourage them to seek help and reach out
• If they are not ready but are in need of help, bring help to them.

When someone commits suicide, they have lost hope. If you know someone who is feeling suicidal, then check out how to help them deal with suicidal thoughts and save a life.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This therapy helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors. By learning to recognize these patterns, people can develop healthier ways of coping with stress and distressing situations, reducing the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Particularly effective for adolescents and adults with borderline personality disorder, DBT focuses on teaching coping mechanisms to manage distressing emotions and improve relationships. It combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques with concepts of mindfulness and acceptance, aiming to reduce suicidal behavior by fostering better emotional and behavioral regulation.
• Brief Intervention Strategies: These include practical approaches like creating a safety plan, which outlines specific steps to take when experiencing suicidal thoughts, and ensuring follow-up care for individuals at risk. Research supports that these strategies, along with promoting the safe storage of potentially lethal means, can significantly decrease the likelihood of suicide attempts.
• Collaborative Care: This team-based approach integrates mental health care into the primary health care setting. A care manager coordinates with the individual, their primary care provider, and mental health specialists to create and implement a personalized treatment plan. This method has proven effective in treating depression and reducing suicidal ideation by ensuring continuous support and monitoring.

Each of these treatments and therapies offers a different approach to managing and reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, emphasizing the importance of personalized care tailored to the individual's specific needs and circumstances.

If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabam’s Rehabilitation Centre can help you with its team of specialized experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 33+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help individuals effectively manage their ADHD Suicidal thoughts. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 96111 94949.