Every year 703,000 people take their own life and there are many more people who attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire country and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and was the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds globally in 2019.

Suicide does not just occur in high-income countries, but is a global phenomenon in all regions of the world. In fact, over 77% of global suicides occurred in low and middle income countries in 2019.

Suicide is a serious public health problem; however, suicides are preventable with timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions. For national responses to be effective, a comprehensive multi sectoral suicide prevention strategy is needed.

Key facts regarding suicide

• More than 700,000 people die due to suicide every year.
• For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide. A prior suicide attempt is the single most important risk factor for suicide in the general population.
• Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year-olds.
• 77% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.
• Ingestion of pesticide, hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally.

Who is at risk?

While the link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) is well established in high-income countries, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness.

In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behavior. Suicide rates are also high amongst vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons; and prisoners. By far the strongest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.

Methods of suicide

It is estimated that around 20% of global suicides are due to pesticide self-poisoning, most of which occur in rural agricultural areas in low- and middle-income countries. Other common methods of suicide are hanging and firearms.

Knowledge of the most commonly used suicide methods is important to devise prevention strategies which have shown to be effective, such as restriction of access to means of suicide. For example: hiding the ropes, removing ceiling fans, etc.

Suicide is a serious public health problem; however, suicides are preventable with timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions. For national responses to be effective, a comprehensive multi-sectoral suicide prevention strategy is needed.

Prevention and control

Suicides are preventable. There are a number of measures that can be taken at population, sub-population and individual levels to prevent suicide and suicide attempts. WHO’s approach to suicide prevention, recommends the following key effective evidence-based interventions:

• limit access to the means of suicide (e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications);
• interact with the media for responsible reporting of suicide;
• foster socio-emotional life skills in adolescents; early identification, assess, manage and follow up anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviours.

These need to go hand-in-hand with the following foundational pillars: situation analysis, multisectoral collaboration, awareness raising, capacity building, financing, surveillance and monitoring and evaluation.

Suicide prevention efforts require coordination and collaboration among multiple sectors of society, including the health sector and other sectors such as education, labour, agriculture, business, justice, law, defence, politics, and the media. These efforts must be comprehensive and integrated as no single approach alone can make an impact on an issue as complex as suicide.

Suicide Myths & Facts

Myth Vs Fact I

Myth: 

Talking to or asking someone if they are having suicidal thoughts may trigger the act.

Fact: 

 Asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal can help lower anxiety, open up communication, and lower the risk of an impulsive act. Talking with the person can help you to determine whether or not s/he is seriously considering suicide.

Myth Vs Fact II

Myth: 

A person who talks about attempting suicide rarely follows through. He is probably just trying to get attention.

Fact:  

Two-thirds talked about their intentions before attempting suicide. They are not crying wolf just to get attention. They are reaching out for help because they are experiencing overwhelming emotional pain. All suicidal statements should raise red flags, even if the person jokes about it. If someone you know has mentioned the desire to die by suicide, take him/her seriously and act immediately.

Myth Vs Fact III

Myth:  

Young people never think about suicide because they have their entire life ahead of them.

Fact: 

Suicide does occur among young people. It is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15-24. Sometimes children under 10 die by suicide. One of the problems is that the young person may talk about it or threaten it but people don’t take it seriously.

Myth Vs Fact IV

Myth:  

There is really nothing you can do to help someone who is truly suicidal.

Fact:

Most people who are suicidal do not want to die. They are in psychological pain, and they want to stop the pain. Many people who are suicidal do reach out for help. More than half the victims of suicide seek medical attention in the months leading up to their death.

Myth Vs Fact V

Myth: 

Suicide always occurs without any warning signs.

Fact:

Most suicidal individuals (nearly 80%) plan their attempt in advance and give clues that it will happen. You may not always see warning signs when someone is suicidal. Any and all warning signs should be taken seriously.

Myth Vs Fact VI

Myth:

There is a typical profile for a person who may attempt suicide (gender, race, age, financial or educational status, etc).

Fact:

Depression/suicide can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity and socio-economic status.

Myth Vs Fact VII

Myth:

Anyone who tries to kill oneself is crazy, irrational or insane.

Fact:

 Most people have fairly understandable reasons and/or life circumstances that contribute to their reason for feeling suicidal. They may be upset, grief-stricken, depressed/despairing, responding to a trauma or in overwhelming circumstances. This does not mean they are irrational or experiencing a mental illness. Anyone could attempt suicide.

Myth Vs Fact VIII

Myth:

People who attempt suicide are weak.

Fact:

No, they are in psychological pain and may have a chemical imbalance in their brain. They need help and a renewed sense of hope.

Myth Vs Fact IX

Myth:

If someone is determined to take his or her life, there is nothing you can do to stop them.

Fact:

They just want the pain and despair to stop, and this can lead to self-destructive and life-threatening actions. A large percentage of the people who call a hotline after taking possibly lethal action have changed their mind and want help.Suicide can be prevented. Most people who are suicidal don’t want to die.

Myth Vs Fact X

Myth:

People who attempt suicide and survive will not attempt suicide again.

Fact:

People who attempt suicide and survive do, in fact, often make additional attempts.

Myth Vs Fact XI

Myth:

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When people become suicidal, they will always be suicidal.

Fact:

Suicidal impulses don’t last forever. However, suicidal feelings can recur.

Myth Vs Fact XII

Myth:

When people who are suicidal feel better, they are no longer suicidal.

Fact:

Often times, spirits lift once the person has made up their mind to complete suicide and they have their plan in place, almost as if a large burden has been lifted off of them.

Myth Vs Fact XIII

Myth:

There is little correlation between alcohol or drug abuse and suicide.

Fact:

Drugs and alcohol decrease a person’s inhibitions and increase a person’s impulsivity, increasing a person’s risk of suicide.

Treatment

Treatment of suicidal thoughts and behavior depends on your specific situation, including your level of suicide risk and what underlying problems may be causing your suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Emergencies

If you’ve attempted suicide and you’re injured:

• Call 1166 or your local emergency number.
• Have someone else call if you’re not alone.

If you’re not injured, but you’re at immediate risk of harming.

TREATMENT

If you have suicidal thoughts, but aren’t in a crisis situation, you may need outpatient treatment. This treatment may include:

• Psychotherapy:
  In psychotherapy, also called psychological counseling or talk therapy, you explore the issues that make you feel suicidal and learn skills to help manage emotions more effectively. You and your therapist can work together to develop a treatment plan and goals.
  
  
• Medications: 
  Antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, anti-anxiety medications and other medications for mental illness can help reduce symptoms, which can help you feel less suicidal.
  
  
• Addiction treatment:
  Treatment for drug or alcohol addiction can include detoxification, addiction treatment programs and self-help group meetings.
  
  
• Family support and education:
  Your loved ones can be both a source of support and conflict. Involving them in treatment can help them understand what you’re going through, give them better coping skills, and improve family communication and relationships.
  
  

Helping a loved one

If you have a loved one who has attempted suicide, or if you think your loved one may be in danger of doing so, get emergency help. Don’t leave the person alone.

If you have a loved one you think may be considering suicide, have an open and honest discussion about your concerns. You may not be able to force someone to seek professional care, but you can offer encouragement and support. You can also help your loved one find a qualified doctor or mental health provider and make an appointment. You can even offer to go along.

Supporting a loved one who is chronically suicidal can be stressful and exhausting. You may be afraid and feel guilty and helpless. Take advantage of resources about suicide and suicide prevention so that you have information and tools to take action when needed. Also, take care of yourself by getting support from family, friends, organizations and professionals.

Lifestyle and home remedies:

There’s no substitute for professional help when it comes to treating suicidal thinking and preventing suicide. However, there are a few things that may reduce suicide risk:

• Avoid drugs and alcohol. Alcohol and recreational drugs can worsen suicidal thoughts. They can also make you feel less inhibited, which means you’re more likely to act on your thoughts.
  
  
• Form a strong support network. That may include family, friends or members of your church, synagogue or other place of worship. Religious practice has been shown to help reduce the risk of suicide.
  
  
• Get active. Physical activity and exercise have been shown to reduce depression symptoms. Consider walking, jogging, and swimming, gardening or taking up another form of physical activity that you enjoy.
  
  

Coping and support

Don’t try to manage suicidal thoughts or behavior on your own. You need professional help and support to overcome the problems linked to suicidal thinking. In addition:

• Go to your appointments. Don’t skip therapy sessions or doctor’s appointments, even if you don’t want to go or don’t feel like you need to.
  
  
• Take medications as directed. Even if you’re feeling well, don’t skip your medications. If you stop, your suicidal feelings may come back. You could also experience withdrawal-like symptoms from abruptly stopping an antidepressant or other medication.
  
  
• Learn about your condition. Learning about your condition can empower and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan. If you have depression, for instance, learn about its causes and treatments.
  
  
• Pay attention to warning signs. Work with your doctor or therapist to learn what might trigger your suicidal feelings. Learn to spot the danger signs early, and decide what steps to take ahead of time. Contact your doctor or therapist if you notice any changes in how you feel. Consider involving family members or friends in watching for warning signs.
  
  
• Make a plan so you know what to do if suicidal thoughts return. You may want to make a written agreement with a mental health provider or a loved one to help you anticipate the right steps to take when you don’t have the best judgment. Clearly stating your suicidal intention with your therapist makes it possible to anticipate it and address it.
  
  
• Eliminate potential means of killing yourself. If you think you might act on suicidal thoughts, immediately get rid of any potential means of killing yourself, such as firearms, knives or dangerous medications. If you take medications that have a potential for overdose, have a family member or friend give you your medications as prescribed.
  
  
• Seek help from a support group. A number of organizations are available to help you cope with suicidal thinking and recognize that there are many options in your life other than suicide.

What you can do?

• Make a list of key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  
  
• Make a list of all medications, vitamins and other supplements that you’re taking, and the doses. Be honest with your doctor about your alcohol and drug use.
  
  
• Ask a family member or friend to the appointment if possible — someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  
  
• Make a list of questions to ask your doctor.

Some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• Could my suicidal thoughts be linked to an underlying mental or physical health problem?
• Will I need any tests for possible underlying conditions?
• Do I need immediate treatment of some kind? What will that involve?
• What are the alternatives to the approach that you’re suggesting?
• I have these other mental or physical health problems. How can I best manage them together?
• Is there anything I can do to stay safe and feel better?
• Should I see a psychiatrist?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you’re prescribing me?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

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