Pt 3 : Information about Suicide

Published on 3 June 2025 at 05:27

This article we will be covering important information about suicide, overview, different types , warning signs etc I will also be including facts the statistics overabout suicide, I believe it is important to spread awareness about suicide to get the information to as many people as possible 

Suicide -

is defined as death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior.

A suicide attempt-

is a self-directed, potentially injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior. A suicide attempt might not result in death or injury.

Suicidal ideation-refers to thinking about, considering, or planning suicide.

Suicide is defined as death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with the intent to die. 

-Self-directed: The act of taking one's own life is initiated and carried out by the individual.

-Injurious Behavior: The behavior involved is harmful or potentially lethal, leading to physical injury that causes death.

-Intent to Die: The person engaging in the behavior does so with the purpose of ending their own life. 

Suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. A suicide attempt is when someone harms themselves with any intent to end their life, but they do not die because of their actions.

Many factors can increase the risk for suicide or protect against it. Suicide is connected to other forms of injury and violence. For example, people who have experienced violence, including child abuse, bullying, or sexual violence have a higher suicide risk. Being connected to family and community support and having easy access to healthcare can decrease suicidal thoughts and behaviors

What leads to suicide?

There’s no single cause for suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. Yet it’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions go on to engage in life.

Risk factors

Risk factors are characteristics or conditions that increase the chance that a person may try to take their life.

Health-

Mental health conditions

Depression

Substance use problems

Bipolar disorder

Schizophrenia

Personality traits of aggression, mood changes and poor relationships

Conduct disorder

Anxiety disorders

Serious physical health conditions including pain

Traumatic brain injury

Environmental-

Access to lethal means including firearms and drugs

Prolonged stress, such as harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment

Stressful life events, like rejection, divorce, financial crisis, other life transitions or loss

Exposure to another person’s suicide, or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide

Discrimination

 

Historical-

Previous suicide attempts

Family history of suicide

Childhood abuse, neglect or trauma

Generational trauma

Protective Factors

Access to mental health care, and being proactive about mental health

Feeling connected to family and community support

Problem-solving and coping skills

Limited access to lethal means

Cultural and religious beliefs that encourage connecting and help-seeking, discourage suicidal behavior, or create a strong sense of purpose or self-esteem

 

Warning signs

Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.

If a person talks about:

-Killing themselves

-Feeling hopeless

-Having no reason to live

-Being a burden to others

-Feeling trapped

-Unbearable pain

-Behavior

Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:

 

Increased use of alcohol or drugs

Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods

Withdrawing from activities

Isolating from family and friends

Sleeping too much or too little

Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

Giving away prized possessions

Aggression

Fatigue

Mood

People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

 

Depression

Anxiety

Loss of interest

Irritability

Humiliation/Shame

Agitation/Anger

Relief/Sudden Improvement

Overview

Every year 727 000 people take their own life and there are many more people who make suicide attempts. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and was the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally in 2021.

Suicide does not just occur in high-income countries but is a global phenomenon in all regions of the world. In fact, close to three quarters (73%) of global suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2021.

Suicide is a serious public health problem that requires a public health response. With timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions, suicides can be prevented. For national responses to be effective, a comprehensive multisectoral suicide prevention strategy is needed.

Who is at risk?

The link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) and a previous suicide attempt is well established in high-income countries. However, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.

In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour. Suicide rates are also high among vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons; and prisoners.

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