Suicide impacts lives around the world
Every life lost to suicide has a devastating and profound effect on the people left behind. One in every 100 deaths around the world is due to suicide. It is estimated that there are over 700,000 deaths a year, meaning someone, somewhere in the world, dies by suicide every 40 seconds. Suicide is among the top 20 causes of death across all age groups globally, with over half of deaths in people under the age of 50. Around the world the suicide rate is over twice as high in men as in women and in some countries 75% of deaths are in men.
Suffering in silence
Due to the stigma around mental illness and suicide, many people keep their struggles to themselves and suffer in silence. They may feel ashamed to speak to someone or may not know where, or who, to turn to. In some countries suicide remains illegal, increasing fear and taboo. We can all work to break down this stigma by creating a society that is compassionate and understanding to those in need, so they feel more comfortable to come forward and seek help.
Look out for someone who is struggling
Suicide can affect any one of us, but we know that there are certain risk factors and life events that make a person more vulnerable. Someone with depression is 20 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Other mental illnesses like anxiety also increase the risk. Stressful life events such as a relationship breakdown or losing a job are other risk factors, as is loneliness and isolation.
Sometimes there may be signs that a person is feeling suicidal. There may be a change in their behaviour, they may withdraw from friends and family and spend more time alone, have trouble sleeping, seem sad or hopeless, or use language that suggests they feel worthless or no longer see the point of things anymore.
Be there for someone in their time of need
We can all play a role in preventing suicide. By reaching out to someone we are worried about and offering them support in their moment of need, we could help to save a life. For someone who is having suicidal thoughts, this can be a very frightening and lonely experience. Showing them you care and want to help can be a lifeline. Offering the time and space to listen can give hope in a person’s darkest moments.
ACT Now to save a life
There are three steps we can follow to offer help and support to a person having suicidal thoughts:
1. Ask directly about suicide
If we notice signs that might suggest a person is at risk, it is important to reach out and ask them directly about suicide. Some people might be reluctant or afraid to intervene, perhaps because they are not sure what to say or do. Some people are worried that by asking about suicide they might increase the risk that a person will go on to take their own life. The evidence shows this is not the case and that asking someone about their suicidal thoughts can protect them. When we ask directly about suicide, it gives the person permission to tell us how they are feeling. Sharing their thoughts with someone can give them a huge sense of relief.
2. Connect with compassion
When a person shares their suicidal thoughts, in this moment we can be there for them and let them know they are no longer alone in their distress. We can be a supportive presence. By showing care and compassion, without judgement, we can create a safe space for them to talk about their thoughts and feelings.
3. Take steps to keep them safe for now
Let the person know you are here for them and want to support them.
- Ask them what they need right now, it might be a glass of water, or a blanket to keep them warm.
- Ask them who else could be part of their support network? A family member or friend?
It is important to connect them to professional help. You could offer to call their family doctor. If they are in immediate danger, the fastest way to get help is to call an ambulance. If you are not sure what to do, then you can get in touch with a 24-hour suicide helpline and there will be someone at the end of the phone who can take you through the steps to keep them safe. Here in Switzerland the number is 143, 143.ch (available in French, German and Italian) and an English-language line, Heart2Heart is available from 6pm-11pm daily on 0800 143 000. It is a good idea to have your local helpline number to hand.
If you don’t feel able to take this on yourself, ask the person who else you can call and stay with them until that help arrives. The important thing is not to leave them alone in this moment; ensure someone stays with them until a plan to keep them safe has been made.
Look after yourself
Offering your support to someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts can be very distressing. It is important to give yourself time afterwards for some self-care. It might be you need to process what happened and talk to someone about it. Remember that the suicide helplines are there to support you too.
