Suicide: A Preventable Global Health Crisis - LPNI

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Suicide: A Preventable Global Health Crisis

LPNI Health Topic – February 2020

Suicide: A Preventable Global Health Crisis

Suicide prevention is a worldwide challenge. Globally, for people of all ages, suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death. The World Health Organization reports over 800,000 people die annually due to suicide.¹ For each person dying from suicide, there are 25 more who have attempted suicide and a myriad more have grave thoughts of suicide. Every life lost to suicide impacts loved ones — spouse, parents, children, siblings, friends. It is estimated that 135 people suffer intense grief or are otherwise affected by each suicide.

Suicide is considered one of a group known as “diseases of despair” or hopelessness. The links between suicide and depression, chronic pain and illness as well as alcohol and drug abuse are well established. The inability to deal with life stresses such as financial problems, divorce, loss of a job can be risk factors. Additionally, a family history of suicide, conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, and isolation are associated with suicidal behaviors. Groups who experience discrimination are particularly vulnerable to suicide. Many people have these risk factors but do not commit suicide. Undoubtedly, the biggest risk factor for suicide is a previous suicide attempt.

Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress, not merely a harmless bid for attention, and should not be ignored! Warning signs are²:

● Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

● Talking about feeling empty, hopeless or having no reason to live

● Planning or looking for a way to kill themselves

● Talking about guilt or shame

● Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there is no solution

● Feeling unbearable pain (emotional or physical)

● Talking about being a burden to others

● Increased use of alcohol or drugs

● Acting anxious or agitated

● Withdrawing from family and friends

● Change in eating and/or sleep habits

● Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

● Taking great risks that could lead to death

● Talking or thinking about death often

● Displaying extreme mood swings

● Giving away important possessions

● Saying goodbye to friends and family

A five-step action plan has been developed by the National Institute of Mental Health.³

1. Ask: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” Studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

2. Keep them safe: Ask the at-risk person if they have a plan. Reduce access to lethal items or places.

3. Be there: Listen carefully and acknowledge their feelings. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

4. Help them connect: Save the suicide prevention number on your phone so you have easy access to it if needed. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual such as a pastor, family member or mental health professional.

5. Stay connected: Staying in touch after a crisis or after discharge from care can make a difference. Studies show that the number of suicide deaths is reduced when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

Faith communities offer spiritual care, hope, brotherly love, and community to those at-risk. The church can also help to dispel the stigma associated with mental disorders and suicidal thoughts so that those individuals at-risk of suicide will seek the help they

need.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

Carol Broemmer, RN, MA

Parish Nurse, Christ the King Lutheran Church, Lake Ozark, MO, USA

cbroemmer@charter.net

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1 https://www.who.int/health-topics/suicide#tab=tab_1

2 https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention/index.shtml

3 https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide.shtml