All over the globe, the month of September celebrates Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. This paves the way for our society to bring up an alarming issue that is taboo and oftentimes judged and disregarded by the society.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicidal thoughts can affect anyone no matter of age, gender or background, much like mental health conditions, and often indicate more serious issues. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts may be common but these should not be considered normal and disregarded (1).
In the Philippines, suicide cases risen during the pandemic wherein a 57% increase in the country’s reported suicide rate in 2020 versus 2019, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (2). The National Center for Mental Health received a huge rise in the number of hotline calls since lockdowns were enforced at the start of the pandemic in March 2020, with anxiety-related concerns as their top reason. With the pandemic and lockdowns still imposed in the country, it is now more important to give light to suicide and ways for those affected by suicidal thoughts to seek help and cope up with it.
How to identify if someone is suicidal? (3)
- There is a dramatic change in mood such as:
- Expressing, in words or actions, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, loss of interest in things or having no reason to live;
- Withdrawing from friends, family or society;
- Sudden or dramatic increase in depressed mood;
- Describing themselves as a burden to others.
- He/She may threaten to kill themselves or wish to die. This can be very direct, or sometimes subtle. Observe for:
- Looking for a way to kill him/herself (getting access to poisons, weapons, etc. and information on suicide methods);
- Unexpected joke about death or suicide;
- Expressing, in words or actions, that there is no way out and suicide is the only option to their problems, and the desire or hope to die.
- Their behaviors are life-threatening or dangerous, such as engaging in risky activities seemingly without thinking and in self-injurious behaviour, and stopping life-saving medical treatments.
- They may set their affairs in order like making contact with people they have not spoken to, giving away valued possessions, asking others to take on responsibilities for care of people or pets, and saying goodbye or make amends with people.
Note that some people show signs not on the list above.
How to talk with someone who is suicidal? (3)
- Express empathy and tell them you care and want to help.
- Encourage the person to do most in the conversation and listen to them with expressing judgement.
- Allow the person to tell about the feelings and reasons for wanting to die.
- Help the person to understand that they have control over their suicidal thoughts, and these do not need to be acted on.
- Encourage the person to think about their personal strengths.
How to keep the person safe? (3)
- Never leave someone who is feeling suicidal on their own.
- Remove the means of suicide available if it is safe to do so.
- Make sure to have suicide hotlines, emergency services and mental health professionals on hand in case of emergency.
- In case that the time of crisis arises, find a way to pass the time. It is preferred that the person chooses an activity that he/she enjoys or has helped him/her to cope with.
- Maintain contact with the person after the crisis has passed and take steps to ensure they are getting professional help.
Note: Keep in mind that in spite of best efforts, some people may still die by suicide, but always help as much as you can.
As September raises awareness and opens the eyes of the society to this stigmatized issue, this month also importantly spreads hope and information to people affected by suicide (1). That in any way they seek help, organizations for suicide prevention and education on suicide are readily available to extend guidance and save the lives of many.(PNFPNadela/OIC-NPCFlores)
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