Suicide

Every suicide is a misfortune. Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan. Suicide is the result of a complex interface of biological, genetic, psychological, sociological, cultural, and environmental factors. Every year 703,000 people take their own lives and many more attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities, and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. The loss of life extends not just to you, but also to everyone around you and to the people you love. Mental health issues can be difficult to navigate and often go untreated. Students may not realize how much their life is worth, or the impact their death would have on the people that love them. Taking your life is never the answer. Often, suicidal behavior indicates difficulties with problem-solving, stress management, and emotional expression. Suicidal thoughts lead to suicidal action only when acting on these thoughts seems to be the only way out of a person’s difficulties. Almost every suicidal crisis has at its center a strong ambivalence: "I can't handle the pain anymore," but not necessarily, "I want to be dead forever!" What most suicidal people want is not to be dead but some way to get through the terrible pain they are experiencing and someone they can turn to during those terrible moments of fear and desperation.

WARNING SIGNS

Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors.

• Lack of interest in common activities 

• Declining grades

• Decreasing effort 

• Misbehavior in the classroom 

• Mysterious or repeated absence 

• Smoking or drinking, or drug misuse

HOW TO RESPOND TO A PERSON WHO IS POTENTIALLY SUICIDAL

1. Recognize the warning signs of depression and suicide risk.

Research suggests that most people who attempt suicide literally do something to let others know their intentions before they act. These "warning signs'' consist of personal behaviors, verbal and non-verbal communication.

2. Take suicidal statements seriously and trust your instincts.

Fifty to 75 percent of all suicides give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member. Imminent signs must be taken seriously.

3. Get involved and use active listening.

By listening to what the person in crisis has to say and by asking direct and open questions, we show our willingness to talk about anything with that person, including his/her feelings about suicide.

4. Encourage the person to seek professional help.

• Be actively involved in encouraging the person to see a physician or mental health professional immediately.

• Individuals contemplating suicide often don't believe they can be helped, so you may have to do more.

5. Do not leave a person who you feel is "high risk" for suicide alone, even for a moment.
If a person has expressed suicidal feelings, has a plan, the means available, and has a time set, you should always take him or her seriously. If there is any doubt, take it seriously. A person who is "high risk" of suicide should not be left alone.

6. Don't be patronizing or judgmental.

 For example, don't tell someone, "Things could be worse" or "You have everything to live for." Instead, ask questions such as, "What's causing you to feel so bad?" "What would make you feel better?" or "How can I help?"