People die by suicide for a number of reasons. According to the World Health Organisation, the link between suicide and mental health disorders (particularly depression and alcohol use), is well established, but one does not have to have a mental illness to consider suicide and neither does everybody who takes their life have a mental illness. Suicide can be caused by being overwhelmed with life stressors, or not having the resources to cope with what life throws at you. CALM conversations, connection and care mean that people can be supported so that suicide does not become an option, or alternate options can be found to deal with the pain.
FAQS
Talking about suicide or a suicide attempt is a cry for help, it is a warning that something is wrong. Most people who attempt or die by suicide don’t want to die – they just want their pain and suffering to end. Without intervention and proper treatment, a person who has attempted suicide is at greater risk of another attempt and possible suicide. If somebody is talking about suicide or ending their life, let’s give them the attention that are seeking – it may well save a life!!
Suicide is a very stigmatised topic and one that most people are uncomfortable talking about. Suicide is often something we fear and so when somebody dies by suicide it can be a very isolating and painful experiences for those that are left behind. People bereaved by suicide often experience complicated bereavement. In addition to grief they also need to work through the shock, social isolation, anger and guilt that can be associated with suicide. We do therefore need to support those who have lost a loved one to suicide as their pain may become overwhelming and so suicide become an option for them too.
Absolutely! Remember once again very few people want to die, if you have noticed signs and they have engaged in a conversation with you about suicide, it means there is a part of them that does not want to die, they may just be at a point where they don’t know how to continue living.
Sometimes a person who is experiencing intense pain may not have a solution to deal with the pain, and so appears depressed or stuck. Should they come to the decision that suicide is an option, they may appear more positive and proactive as they finally have a means to end their pain, and a goal to work towards.