No one likes to talk about suicide. It can be painful and uncomfortable to discuss. This situation can be made worse by a sometimes negative perception in the community. Suicide is often a dark secret that no one wants to share.
Unfortunately, silence has not made suicide go away. People who are at risk for suicide often do not share their feelings with others. They fear family members will think differently of them. They fear professional repercussions. Most of all, they fear that no one will care. It is a misconception that people suffering with thoughts of suicide want to keep it a secret.
Death by suicide is one of the top three major areas of injury and death among Nova Scotians, while suicide attempts are the third most common injury treated in hospitals. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, each year over 100 Nova Scotians die by suicide and many more make suicide attempts.
The cause of suicide is as varied as those who attempt it. It is often more complicated than a recent painful life event such as a relationship break-up or a job loss. The cause of suicide is multi-factorial, which means that it is often a variety of risk factors that push people towards thoughts of suicide.
People who become suicidal in response to these life events generally have significant underlying risk factors, such as low self-worth or a mental illness. The mental illness is often undiagnosed, untreated or both. The most common illnesses are mood disorders and/or substance abuse.
It is important to note that treatment for underlying mental health disorders is available. Suicide is always preventable with the right treatment, care and community support.
If you are thinking about suicide, please watch this video, consider its message and seek help. There are countless resources available and people who want to help you. Please reach out and ask for help.
If someone you know is at risk for suicide right now, take a look at these Suicide First Aid Guidelines from the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.
http://www.suicideprevention.ca/about-suicide/suicide-first-aid-guidelines/
(From the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention)
If you are worried that someone may be suffering thoughts of suicide, you should know the warning signs to look for. Remember them with this simple acronym:
IS PATH WARM
I Ideation
S Substance Abuse
P Purposelessness
A Anxiety
T Trapped
H Hopelessness
W Withdrawal
A Anger
R Recklessness
M Mood Changes
(From American Association of Suicidology)
