Suicide: myths and markers

Misconceptions (Myths):

• People who talk about suicide aren’t actually going to follow through and do it. People often give clues and warnings that they are thinking about completing suicide. We need to learn to listen and take these warnings seriously.
• People who try kill themselves are crazy. Suicidal people are not insane or psychotic, they are generally struggling with psychological and emotional pain that they want to end.
• If someone wants to complete suicide, nothing can prevent them from doing it. People who are suicidal often have conflicting feelings. It’s not their lives but their pain that they want to end.
• People who completed suicide were unwilling to seek help and intervention. People who are suicidal often seek help and support but are not always taken seriously. Most people are open to help.
• Talking about suicide gives people the idea and reinforces their suicidal thoughts. The truth is opposite to this. By talking to someone openly and honestly about suicidal thoughts can help prevent suicide and can save a life.

Warning signs (Markers):

People who are suicidal often give warning signs that they have suicidal intentions. We need to be vigilant and aware so that we can spot these signs as soon as possible. As is always the case, early intervention is important. We need to offer alternatives to suicide such as being present, showing love and care, and referring to a psychologist and seeking help from a medical professional.

• Individuals who are suicidal are often fixated on the topic of death. They will talk about it or write about it and will also seek out means by which they can kill themselves.
• We need to be especially vigilant with individuals who have mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. Other potential markers are substance dependence, previous suicide attempts and a family history of mental disorders or suicide attempts.
• Hopelessness and helplessness are big indicators in whether an individual may have suicidal thoughts and it can also help assess the severity of their suicidality. Suicide and suicidal ideation should however always be taken seriously no matter the perceived severity.
• Anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure in activities they previously enjoyed).
• Individuals will sometimes talk about their unbearable feelings or how they don’t see a way forward.
• Mood swings and personality change.
• Social withdrawal.
• Feelings of being a burden, worthlessness, self-hatred, guilt, shame.
• Individuals getting their affairs in order such as giving away possessions that are significant to the person or drafting a will and making arrangements for family members.
• People making unusual and unexpected visits and phone calls to say goodbye to important people.
• Self-destructive behaviour and substance abuse.

There are many other markers and red flags that may highlight a potential suicide risk in an individual. It’s important for us to make sure we regularly check up on the people around us and be aware of these potential markers. Don’t be scared to talk to people about their thoughts and feelings and to ask whether a person is contemplating suicide.

Psalm 34:18-19 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all”.

Contacts:

There is an organisation called SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) that has a lot of resources and contacts. You can access their website. You can also call some of these helplines:

• SADGA helpline (contact a counsellor between 8am-8pm, Monday to Sunday) – 011 234 4837
• Suicidal emergency – 0800 567 567
• 24-hour Helpline – 0800 456 789
• LifeLine crisis line – 031 312 2323
• LifeLine office line – 031 303 1344
• Life St Joseph’s Psychiatric Hospital – 031 204 1470