SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION

There is a strong link between suicide and depression. Many suicidal people have difficulty imagining a solution to their suffering, due in part to the distorted thinking caused by depression.

Depression is one of the most important risk factors in male suicide. Although death by suicide is higher for men, attempted suicide rates are higher for women. Women are more prone than men to experience anxiety and depression, at any age. Although the reasons why women experience higher levels of depression are unknown, many experts believe the pressures of balancing work and family responsibilities, including children as well as aging parents, may lead to added mental health burdens.

Suicide warning signs

Most suicidal people give warning signs or signals of their intention to take their own life, through their words or actions. Awareness of these signs is critical for helping someone who is contemplating ending their own life.

Always take any suicidal talk or behaviour seriously. It's not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide, it's a cry for help.

Some common warning signs include:

Talking about suicide – openly talking about suicide, dying or self-harm
Seeking out lethal means –accessing tablets or objects to use in a suicide attempt
Personality changes – severe mood swings or displaying anxiety or agitation

Focusing on death – Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence. Writing poems, stories or drawing pictures about death
Hopelessness –believing that things will never get any better
Self-loathing – feeling worthlessness, guilt, shame and self-hatred
Sorting affairs – making a will or getting their affairs in order

Saying goodbye – unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends
Withdrawing – wanting to be left alone and choosing social isolation
Self-destructive behaviour – taking unnecessary risks
Sense of calm – An unusual and sudden sense of calm

Did you know?

Suicide is a leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds
Approximately 800 000 people die as a result of suicide every year
1 in 5 people are affected by mental illness
Depression does occur in children and adolescents below the age of 15 years, but at a lower level than older age groups

If you are feeling suicidal

You’re not alone, many people have had suicidal thoughts at some point in their life.

Feeling suicidal is not a sign of failure, it means that you have more pain than you can cope with right now. This pain seems overwhelming and permanent, but with time and support, you can overcome your problems and the pain and suicidal feelings will pass.

Pick up the phone and call a local crisis helpline, doctor, friend or loved one.They can help you to see solutions that you haven’t thought about. Give them a chance to help.

Talking about how you feel and sharing your emotions can release a lot of the pressure that’s building up and help you identify a way to cope.

Remember a suicidal crisis is almost always temporary. Give yourself time for things to change and the pain you’re feeling now to subside. Solutions will be found.

If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, help them to get help. There are many national suicide prevention organisations you can call, who will provide a safe, non-judgemental place to talk.

In an emergency, call the emergency services and stay with the person contemplating suicide until help arrives.