Suicide Trends To Be Aware Of Author: Kirsten Seale In the next 40 seconds, s…

Suicide Trends To Be Aware Of

Author: Kirsten Seale

In the next 40 seconds, someone, somewhere in the world will take their own life.

This is a very sobering reality.

Suicidal behaviour is universal. It is dangerous, unrelenting and knows no boundaries.
That is why September 10, 2018, marks an incredibly significant date on the mental health calendar, World Suicide Prevention Day – reminding us all to be more attentive, to recognise the signs, and to help ourselves and the people around us.

Suicide is just the tip of the iceberg

Suicide is a complex, multifaceted behaviour that represents the tip of an iceberg. The largest portion of the iceberg, that which is submerged and harder to see, is a myriad of risk factors.

There are deep-rooted connections between suicide and various mental illnesses such as depression and substance use disorders, particularly alcohol. Mental illness, however, is not necessarily a determining factor of suicidal behaviour.

Financial trouble, chronic illness, conflict, abuse, violence and other trauma-related incidents are also common contributing factors.
Suicide is likely the culmination of several serious health and social concerns that all ultimately contribute to the unravelling of a person.

It is also worth mentioning that globally, ‘suicide season’ is a broadly replicated phenomenon, with peak seasons in the Spring and Summer months, according to a review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
The exact cause of suicide seasonality, however, remains largely unknown.

Reducing suicide is a “global imperative”

This is according to the World Health Organisation, who believe raising awareness around this ‘taboo’ topic is critical to preventing suicidal behaviour.
Yes, suicide can be prevented, says the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
It just takes some work, but every one of us can make a difference.

1. Educate yourself and others and learn to identify the warning signs.
Someone who is contemplating suicide will often give some clues to show they are troubled.
These are some of the potential indicators, according to Cleveland Clinic:

Long-lasting sadness and severe mood swings indicating mental illness
Sudden calmness after a long battle with depression may be a sign the person has decided to end his or her life
Isolation and withdrawal from friends, family and social activities, and a loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
Lack of interest in personal hygiene and appearance
Engaging in risky behaviour such as reckless driving, unsafe sex and increased drug and alcohol use
Making preparations including parting with personal possessions, fixing up a will and visiting estranged family and friends.

2. Talk openly and question the stigma.
The widespread stigma around suicide makes it difficult for people who are considering suicide to open up and seek help.
Talk openly, share your own experiences and lend a compassionate and caring hand to those around you.

3. Know where to go for support.
If someone you know is exhibiting suicidal tendencies, or perhaps has threatened to commit suicide, take it seriously and respond with compassion.
Do not leave that person alone and ask for help from friends and family where possible.

If necessary, call your local emergency helpline.

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