Suicide is a tragic phenomenon that affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. However, it is particularly prevalent among indigenous Canadians under the age of 44. In the rest of the population, there are approximately 4,000 deaths by suicide each year, with teen suicide among Canadian girls increasing annually. Suicide is a complex issue with a variety of underlying causes, but it is essential to know the warning signs and how to help someone who may be contemplating taking their own life.
Suicide Warning Signs
Being able to recognize the warning signs of suicide is critical if you believe you or someone you know may be at risk. It is important to have an open conversation with the person you suspect may be considering suicide, even if it feels uncomfortable. Although the person may be combative or in denial, it is essential to remember that you may be saving a life. If you walk in on someone in a dire situation, call 911 immediately. Otherwise, contact one of the suicide prevention hotlines for guidance. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) to speak with a crisis line worker anytime, day or night.
According to Odyssey, some warning signs to look for include:
- Suicidal talk
- Changes to their will
- Giving away their possessions
- Obtaining a weapon
- Strange sleeping patterns
- Lethargy
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Low motivation for their social life
- Self-harm
- Risky behavior
- Body language
Why People Commit Suicide
Mental health professionals believe there are six main reasons why a person may contemplate suicide:
- Depression: This is the most common reason why people consider suicide. If depression is severe enough, it can lead to an immense feeling of hopelessness, causing people to believe that life will never get better. There is also a tendency to think that life would be better for others if they were not around. Fortunately, depression is almost always treatable.
- Psychotic Tendencies: Psychosis can be harder to hide than depression, and it is often associated with conditions such as schizophrenia. If poorly treated, the inner voices that characterize psychosis can take over, leading to suicidal thoughts.
- Impulsiveness: This is often linked to drug and alcohol abuse. The side effects, mixed with depression, can prompt someone to attempt suicide. In this case, treatment should begin with addressing the substance abuse addiction and exploring the reasons behind it.
- A Cry for Help: People in this category usually do not want to die, but they do not know how else to get attention except by doing something severe, perhaps without intentionally trying to take their life. Think about someone who takes too many aspirin when upset over a breakup.
- Philosophical Reason to Die: In this case, the motivator is unrelated to the above reasons. People who fall into this category are attempting to control their own destiny. For example, someone with a terminal illness may choose suicide as a way to end their life sooner.
- A Mistake: Tempting fate through reckless acts like trying to be a daredevil or experimenting with oxygen deprivation often have fatal outcomes.
Getting Help
It is crucial to seek help if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide. Whether it means reaching out to a close friend or family member or calling a trusted suicide hotline number, it is vital to make an effort to reach out before it is too late. You will need to seek the help of a mental health professional, where you will undergo treatment that may involve a combination of psychotherapy and medication, such as antidepressants, to help control negative emotions.
It is important to remember that suicidal thoughts and feelings are treatable, and there is hope for recovery. Seeking help from mental health professionals, support groups, and loved ones can make a significant difference in preventing suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s essential to reach out for help as soon as possible.
One way to get help is by calling a suicide prevention hotline. These hotlines are staffed by trained crisis counselors who can provide support, resources, and guidance to those in need. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). They can also provide information on local crisis centers and support groups.
In addition to calling a hotline, it’s important to seek professional help from a mental health provider. A therapist or counselor can provide therapy and support tailored to your needs and help you develop coping strategies to manage suicidal thoughts and feelings. They may also recommend medication to help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
Support from loved ones can also be crucial in preventing suicide. Having a trusted friend or family member to talk to, lean on, and provide encouragement can make a significant difference in someone’s recovery. It’s important to approach conversations about suicide with care and empathy, and to listen non-judgmentally. Encourage them to seek professional help and offer to help them find resources and support.
Preventing suicide also involves addressing the underlying factors that can contribute to suicidal thoughts and feelings. This includes addressing mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, as well as social and environmental factors such as poverty, discrimination, and access to healthcare.
In conclusion, suicide is a serious public health issue that affects many people, including indigenous Canadians and Canadian teens. It’s important to know the warning signs of suicide and to reach out for help if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings. Help is available, and recovery is possible with the right treatment and support. Remember, suicide is never the answer, and there is always hope for a better future.
1-888-494-3888
The Vancouver Island Crisis Line offers 24-hour crisis line service to Vancouver Island, the islands of the Georgia Strait, and the mainland communities between Powell River and Rivers Inlet, as defined by Island Health. It operates 365 days a year. Crisis workers provide short-term nonjudgemental emotional, support, crisis intervention, information, and resources.
Note: Persons calling from outside of Canada can dial 1-250-754-4447 to reach the Vancouver Island Crisis Line (long distance charges may apply).
1800SUICIDE
1-800-784-2433
The Vancouver Island Crisis Line and other network members of the Crisis Line Association of BC (CLABC) answer this 24/7/365 provincial service to support callers experiencing suicidal thoughts. Workers provide skilled suicide assessment, de-escalation, intervention, referrals, and short-term support.
310Mental Health Support
310-6789
(no need for “1” in front of this number)
The Vancouver Island Crisis Society also answers the provincial 310Mental Health Support service 24/7/365, also as part of CLABC, to provide empowering emotional support, information about appropriate resources and a wide range of support relating to mental health concerns.
Talk Suicide Canada
1-833-456-4566
Developed by Crisis Services Canada (CSC), the Talk Suicide Canada network provides 24/7/365 Crisis Line support. The Vancouver Island Crisis Society is part of the CSC, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) collaboration of non-profit distress and crisis service centres located throughout Canada.
Support is available via text at 45645, from 2:00 pm to 2:00 am Eastern.
All four of the crisis line services described above have access to language translation services.