It doesn\u2019t matter how old you are, what your background is or what you do for a living, suicide can and does affect all people.<\/p>\n
In Australia, suicide has been described as a \u2018significant health problem\u2019, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). The facts certainly back this up.<\/p>\n
The discussion around suicide, which was already important pre-COVID, is all the more so after what has been a tough couple of years for us all.<\/p>\n
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Now, in addition to pandemic fatigue, we\u2019re watching interest rates climb to the highest levels in six years. Meanwhile, the effects of climate change and extreme weather events continue to batter the parts of the country, with flooding, droughts and bushfires becoming a constant threat.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s why, if you suspect someone you love or work with is having suicidal tendencies, knowing what questions to ask or what signs to watch out for are important.<\/p>\n
To help, we\u2019ve looked at some of the common reasons for feeling suicidal. Knowing some of the most common reasons can be a good first sign that you need to keep an eye out for somebody, or direct them to psychological therapy.<\/p>\n
The reasons behind suicidal feelings are varied. Everyone deals with things in different ways. What causes suicidal feelings in one person might not cause them in another.<\/p>\n
Suicidal feelings can originate from outside events, such as losing your job, or they can be completely independent from them, such as a genetic mental health condition.<\/p>\n
Beyond Blue<\/a> has outlined some of the most common reasons for feeling suicidal. These risk factors \u2013 or vulnerability factors \u2013 can increase the chances of suicidal behaviour. Some of the factors are complex and can be intertwined:<\/p>\n The Suicide Call Back Service<\/a> groups suicide warning signs into four categories: physical changes, behaviours, conversational signs and feelings. Before you can start organising psychological therapy, you need to be able to recognise the symptoms of suicidal ideation.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to remember that these signs aren\u2019t mutually exclusive, nor are they only associated with suicidal tendencies. There can be multiple signs happening at the same time, or just one. It\u2019s important we know what to look out for so we can ask the right questions at the right time.<\/p>\n If you think someone may be having suicidal feelings, it\u2019s important to ask the right questions and give them the chance to open up. Equally, it\u2019s important to listen and not try to \u201csolve\u201d whatever may be affecting them and making them feel the way they do.<\/p>\n Mayo Clinic<\/a> has put together some sensitive but direct questions that you can ask someone who you suspect is thinking of taking their own life.<\/p>\n It\u2019s natural to feel nervous or tense when you\u2019re asking questions on the topic of suicide, but Mayo Clinic says it won\u2019t push someone in the wrong direction.<\/p>\n Instead, it can give them to opportunity to talk about how they\u2019re feeling, and it may reduce the risk of acting on suicidal feelings. It is a vital first step towards getting support or treatment such as psychological therapy.<\/p>\n Some questions they recommend asking:<\/p>\n It\u2019s normal to feel pressure or worry if someone has told you they\u2019re having suicidal thoughts. Try to stay calm and remember, this can be seen as a positive step, as the person having suicidal thoughts has given you the opportunity to help them.<\/p>\n Mental Health First Aid Australia<\/a> has put together a few tips to keep in mind when someone tells you they\u2019re thinking of taking their own life. These include:<\/p>\n When it comes to suggesting professional support, there\u2019s a few ways to frame the conversation. Keep in mind, it\u2019s important to empathise with their situation and reassure them that seeking professional help doesn\u2019t make them \u201cweak\u201d.<\/p>\n You can try saying things like:<\/p>\n If the person is willing to seek professional help, then it\u2019s important to let them know you\u2019re there to support them any way you can.<\/p>\n You can offer to help them find a mental health professional. You can even offer to call or email to set up an appointment for psychological therapy on their behalf.<\/p>\n On top of this, you can let the person know that you\u2019re available to drive them to their appointment, or that you\u2019ll accompany them on public transport.<\/p>\n If they don\u2019t want to seek professional help right away and they\u2019re not in immediate danger \u2013 that is they are not self-harming or about to \u2013 then be patient.<\/p>\n Let them know you\u2019re there for them whenever they\u2019re ready to seek help and tell them you\u2019re glad they decided to open up.<\/p>\n Remember to stay positive about the help available and refer them to any relevant organisations, such as those listed below, should they need to speak to someone.<\/p>\n If there\u2019s an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please call 000.<\/p>\n If you need someone to talk with now, call:<\/p>\n While these services aren’t able to offer long-term support like psychological therapy can, what they can do is provide immediate support.<\/p>\n If you want to organise psychological therapy for yourself or someone you know, the first step is to find a psychologist near you<\/a>. With 85+ practitioners throughout the country as well as telehealth psychology<\/a> options, Access Psych can make accessing a psychologist easier.<\/p>\n Alternatively, if you have any questions about Access Psych and what else we can do for you, visit our Frequently Asked Questions<\/a> page.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re ready, you can book an appointment online, speak to one of our friendly team on 1800 277 924<\/a> or email info@accesspsych.com.au<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The information provided in this document is general in nature and is intended to be used for information purposes only. While we have tried to ensure the accuracy of the information published, no guarantee can be given that the information is free from error or omission or that it is accurate, current or complete. <\/em><\/p>\n The information published is not, and should not be relied on as, health or treatment advice. The diagnosis and treatment of any mental illness requires the attention of a physician or other properly qualified mental health professional. If you are seeking diagnosis or treatment of any other mental illness, you should consult a physician or mental health professional.\u00a0 You should not delay in seeking, or disregard, professional health advice because of something you have read in this document.<\/em><\/p>\n [i]<\/a> https:\/\/www.aihw.gov.au\/suicide-self-harm-monitoring\/data\/deaths-by-suicide-in-australia\/suicide-deaths-over-time<\/a><\/p>\n [ii]<\/a> https:\/\/www.blackdoginstitute.org.au\/resources-support\/suicide-self-harm\/facts-about-suicide-in-australia\/<\/a><\/p>\n [iii]<\/a> https:\/\/www.aihw.gov.au\/reports\/life-expectancy-death\/deaths-in-australia\/contents\/leading-causes-of-death<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It doesn\u2019t matter how old you are, what your background is or what you do for a living, suicide can and does affect all people. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6122,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[76],"tags":[91],"class_list":["post-6107","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogs","tag-suicide-and-self-harm"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
Warning signs of suicide: what to watch out for<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Physical changes:<\/u><\/h3>\n
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Behaviours:<\/u><\/h3>\n
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Conversational signs:<\/u><\/h3>\n
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Feelings:<\/u><\/h3>\n
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What questions do you ask a suicidal person?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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How do you help someone who has suicidal thoughts?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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What\u2019s next?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
For urgent support and psychological therapy<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Need to talk to someone?<\/strong><\/h2>\n