World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) 2021: Recognising Symptoms Of Suicidal Behaviour; Helpline Numbers

What Is Suicidal Behaviour?

Suicide is not termed a mental illness but a severe consequence of mental health disorders like major depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia nervosa [6]. Suicidal behaviour is the act of talking about or taking actions that are related to ending one's life and are considered a psychiatric emergency.

Mental Illness Or Stress: What Leads A Person To Suicide?

Suicide is described as the act of taking one's own life and is one of the major leading cause of death in India [7]. About 800,000 people die by suicide worldwide every year, of these 135,000 (17 per cent) are residents of India.

What Are The Warning Signs Of Suicidal Behaviour?

You may never know or realise the emotional trauma and stress an individual is in. Hence, it is not always easy to realise when someone develops suicidal thoughts. However, mental health experts and psychiatrists suggest that there are certain warning signs which can help in recognising suicidal thoughts or behaviour in an individual [8].

• Excessive sadness or moodiness, mood swings and unexpected anger
• Feeling a sense of hopelessness and loneliness
• Making a will or giving away personal possessions
• Avoiding social interactions
• Searching for means of doing personal harm
• Eating too little or eating too much
• Engaging in reckless behaviours
• Excessive alcohol or drug consumption
• Showing signs of extreme anxiousness or agitation
• Talking about suicide as an escape route
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Suddenly becoming calm after a period of depression or moodiness
• Changes in personality and/or appearance (less concerned about his or her appearance)

What Factors Increase The Risk Of Suicide?

There is no one specific reason that triggers the risk of suicide. Several factors can increase the risk of suicide. Mental health issues are the most common cause of suicides, where depression is the highest risk [9]. Men and people over the age of 45 are at a higher risk for suicide.

Other mental health disorders that can increase the risk of suicide include [10]:

• bipolar disorder,
• schizophrenia,
• anxiety disorders, and
• personality disorders.

Some of the other factors that increase the risk of suicide include [11]:

• Substance use disorder
• Childhood abuse or trauma
• Family history of suicide and/or previous suicide attempts
• Being socially isolated or a victim of bullying or harassment
• Poor job security [12]
• Chronic diseases
• Access to dangerous means such as firearms and/or drugs
• Difficulty seeking help or support
• Lack of access to mental health treatment
• Being diagnosed with a serious medical condition, such as cancer or HIV [13]
• History of abuse

People in certain professions, such as police officers and health care providers who work with terminally ill patients, are in the suicide risk category [14]. Studies have pointed out that, although women are three times as likely to attempt suicide, men are far more likely to commit the act in its entirety.

What Should I Do If I Think Someone Is Suicidal?

If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs for suicide, you can help ease the situation by comforting them. Studies point out that people who receive support from caring friends and family and who have access to mental health services are less likely to act on their suicidal impulses [15]. The following can help in such scenarios:

• Do not be afraid to ask if he or she is sad, discouraged and/or thinking about suicide.
• Ask if he or she is seeing a therapist or taking medication.
• In some cases, the person needs to know that someone cares and is looking for the chance to talk about his or her feelings.
• Do not leave the person alone.
• Ask the person to give you any weapons he or she might have (to avoid self-injuries).
• Try talking the person out of suicide and let him or her know that depression is temporary and treatable.
• If the person is already in psychiatric treatment, help him or her to contact the doctor for guidance and help.
• Try to keep the person as calm as possible.
• Call your local suicide prevention hotline or take the person to a hospital.

Note: Always remember to be calm and comforting around a person who is anxious and discouraged. While it can be scary for you, know it in your heart that what you are doing may help save a life. Do not hesitate, always lend a helping hand (if your mental health permits you to).

Can Suicide Be Prevented?

The risk factors triggering suicidal behaviour can be managed with the timely intervention [16]. The right and most effective way to prevent suicide and suicidal thoughts are to be alert of the risk factors and recognise them once it starts. If anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts; what you can do is being aware of the possible risk factors and intervening before he or she can carry out the act of suicide.

If you feel that you are developing suicidal thoughts, the following can help:

• Talk to someone (organisations, support groups, close friends/family or professional therapists).
• Pay attention to the warning signs.
• Make lifestyle changes such as avoiding alcohol and drugs, exercising regularly and sleeping well [17].
• If you are already getting help, make sure to take your medications as directed and never skip an appointment.

List Of Suicide Helpline Numbers

• iCall: 9152987821 | Mon-Sat, 8:00 AM -10:00 PM | Languages: English, Hindi
• COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ): 0832-2252525 | 01:00 PM - 07:00 PM | Monday to Friday
• Fortis Stress Helpline: +918376804102
• Parivarthan: +91 7676 602 602 | 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM | Monday to Friday
• Connecting Trust: +91 992 200 1122 | +91-992 200 4305 | 12:00 PM to 08:00 PM | All days of the week
• Roshni Trust: 040-66202000, 040-66202001 | 11:00 AM - 09:00 PM | Monday to Sunday
• Sahai: 080-25497777 | 10 AM- 8 PM Monday To Saturday | [email protected] Sumaitri: 011-23389090 | [email protected] | 2 PM- 10 PM Monday To Friday; 10 AM - 10 PM Saturday And Sunday
• Sanjeevani: 011-24311918, 24318883 | Timings: 10:00 AM - 5.30 PM (Monday to Friday)
• Sneha: 044-24640050 (24 HOURS) | 044-24640060 8 AM - 10 PM |[email protected]
• Lifeline: [email protected] - 033-24637401 | 033-24637432 | 10 AM - 6 PM

On A Final Note…

If you or someone you know is exhibiting suicidal behaviour, it is important to seek immediate assistance from a healthcare provider. Although it can seem scary to intervene, getting help at the right time can save a life.

Remember, no matter how much pain you are in right now, you are not alone. Help is available.