Resources The Mood Disorders Society of Canada 519 824 5565 E-mail: Web: moods magazine (905) 897 2558 E-mail: Web: Suicide Suicide is defined as self-inflicted death”. Experts in the field suggest “intentional, that a suicidal person feels so much pain that they can see no other option, other than death. In fact, they may even view suicide as a problem solving solution, since they often feel like they are a burden to others, and that if they were gone, it would be better for everyone. Suicidal ideas and actions are often the result of disordered thinking or mood found in mental disorders. When the disorder is treated, the suicidality often goes away. Most people who think of suicide do not want to die, so if others around them can help them sense there is another way out, progress can be made. There are a number of risk factors for suicide attempts and completed suicide: mental illness is one of the key factors. Others include a history of suicide attempts, a loss or bereavement (especially by suicide of a friend or family member), alcohol or drug abuse (self or family), experience of abuse or violence, gender identity issues, family history of suicide, access to firearms, a chronic illness or disability, persistent conflict in relationships, perceived failure or inadequacy, or anything that has created unbearable pain. With information and practice, everyone from families to educators can effectively and compassionately help a person at risk of suicide. When Something’s Wrong Ideas for Families – Behaviour Characteristics Most people who are thinking about suicide give clues. Signs can be expressed directly or indirectly and picked up by different people. For example, a parent may not be aware of particular signs his/her child might show, but a close friend might notice a strange or sudden shift in behaviour. It is important to work as a team to help a person at risk of suicide tell – someone if you have any cause for concern. Reach out to the individual because he/she often does not ask for help. Here are some of the clues to look for: inability to concentrate Expressions of helplessness or hopelessness just can’t take it “I anymore.” won’t matter soon.” might as well as be dead.” “It “I will miss me.” be better off without me.” “Nobody “You’d
Resources The Mood Disorders Society of Canada 519 824 5565 E-mail: Web: moods magazine (905) 897 2558 E-mail: Web: Suicide Suicide is defined as “intentional, self-inflicted death”. Experts in the field suggest that a suicidal person feels so much pain that they can see no other option, other than death. In fact, they may even view suicide as a problem solving solution, since they often feel like they are a burden to others, and that if they were gone, it would be better for everyone. Suicidal ideas and actions are often the result of disordered thinking or mood found in mental disorders. When the disorder is treated, the suicidality often goes away. Most people who think of suicide do not want to die, so if others around them can help them sense there is another way out, progress can be made. There are a number of risk factors for suicide attempts and completed suicide: mental illness is one of the key factors. Others include a history of suicide attempts, a loss or bereavement (especially by suicide of a friend or family member), alcohol or drug abuse (self or family), experience of abuse or violence, gender identity issues, family history of suicide, access to firearms, a chronic illness or disability, persistent conflict in relationships, perceived failure or inadequacy, or anything that has created unbearable pain. With information and practice, everyone from families to educators can effectively and compassionately help a person at risk of suicide. When Something’s Wrong – Ideas for Families Behaviour Characteristics Most people who are thinking about suicide give clues. Signs can be expressed directly or indirectly and picked up by different people. For example, a parent may not be aware of particular signs his/her child might show, but a close friend might notice a strange or sudden shift in behaviour. It is important to work as a team to help a person at risk of suicide – tell someone if you have any cause for concern. Reach out to the individual because he/she often does not ask for help. Here are some of the clues to look for: inability to concentrate Expressions of helplessness or hopelessness “I just can’t take it anymore.” “It won’t matter soon.” “I might as well as be dead.” “Nobody will miss me.” “You’d be better off without me.”