According to statistical reports, more than 100 people die in the UK each day as a result of suicide. That’s more than 36,500 people each year. The problem with suicides and the behaviours that typically come before a suicide attempt are that they have the ability to impact more than just the individual who is having the suicidal thoughts, or who attempts the suicide. Suicides impact the victims’ families, friends, other loved ones, and local and broader communities as well. Deaths that result from suicide can shock the very foundation of a community, whether that community is large or small.
Who Falls Victim to Suicidal Behaviour and Suicide?
Although some people believe that suicide, and the accompanying suicidal behaviours that come beforehand, is reserved for certain groups of people, the truth is that suicidal thoughts can impact any person at any point in their life. According to recent studies, more than eight million adults in the United States reported in the past twelve months that they were considering suicide and had had serious thoughts about committing the action. This is not a full number as only those who reported having these thoughts were counted in these numbers, and the actual number of sufferers of suicidal thoughts may be significantly higher.
Suicide also has a significant impact on those individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 years old. According to recent epidemiological data, suicide is the number three leading cause of death for individuals in that age range currently in the United States. Despite these numbers, many more individuals suffer from suicidal thoughts that lead to eventual suicide that are outside this age group.
What Are the Warning Signs of Suicide?
When a suicide takes place, individuals are often shocked by the event that has taken place and believe that either they could never have known that this would happen or that they should have known that it would happen. Although sometimes the symptoms of suicide are overlooked, there are warning signs that you can watch for. Some of the most critical signs of suicidal behaviour must be dealt with as quickly as they appear, and may include any of the following:
• Individuals who are looking for ways to kill themselves
• Someone who is talking about wanting to die or wanting to take their own life
• An individual who has expressed hopelessness or not having a reason to continue living
• An individual who talks about living in unbearable pain or being trapped
• Someone tells you that they are a burden on others
• An individual increases their use of recreational drugs and alcohol products
• The individual becomes easily agitate, reckless, sleeps more or less than usual, withdraws or isolates themselves, feeling more rage than usual, or having serious mood swings
How to Get Help for Suicidal Behaviours
If you suspect that someone you love is exhibiting signs of suicidal behaviours and thoughts, you should get help now. You can stay close by to them, and let them know that you are there for them. Also, notify a doctor, and of course offer them a number to call and arrange for counselling. Early prevention, stops unnecessary death. Just by being there and showing your loved one that you understand and are not judging them, you can help. Don’t let them suffer alone.