Understanding Suicide: Dispelling Myths and Taking Action

What are your feelings when you hear that someone has committed suicide? Sad? Scared? Shocked? Don’t we feel ‘what exactly went wrong for them to take such a drastic step?’ There are many contrary views revolving around suicide, but in this article we are going to focus on those views that aim at having an action plan for these unfortunate events.

Before we talk about the action plan, we need to know the issue at hand precisely. Do we have all the correct information about suicide? Let’s find out.  We are sharing some common concepts that people hold about suicide and the reality behind it.

1. Is suicide an act of cowardice or strength? Is it a solution to your problems?

–      Suicide is neither an act of cowardice nor of strength or bravery. Sometimes it is also not done as a solution to the problem but to escape some unpleasant situation or emotion which is overbearing for them. Suicide can be seen as an act of desperation: desperation to stop the mental pain (and sometimes physical pain too)  that they are experiencing. Instead of focusing on what to call it, we need to shift our focus on what caused that pain and what can be done to ease such pain.

2. Is suicide a planned or sudden decision?

–    There are many opinions that say that suicide is a long planned behavior. In reality, suicidal attempts can be both impulsive and planned. Some people may react impulsively to a stressor and end up attempting or committing suicide, while others, especially those suffering from severe depression can plan it systematically for some time and carry out at the end.

3. Should you ask someone if they are suicidal? What if that gives them an idea?

–    Although there are some warning signs of suicidal behavior, they are not enough to prevent one. The only way you can certainly find out if a person is suicidal or not is by asking them. And no, asking the question does not trigger a suicidal attempt, if anything, it can only prevent one. “Do you feel like ending your life?”, “Do you feel like killing yourself?” “Are you thinking about committing suicide?” are all acceptable questions. And if you feel uncomfortable asking these questions,seek help of a mental health professional immediately.

4. I know someone who is taking psychiatric treatment, is that person suicidal?

–    Suicide is a sign of mental illness. But not all mentally ill people are suicidal. Also, people who were suicidal once are not permanently suicidal (even though the risk factor is considered high). Suicide is commonly associated but not limited with depression. It is usually not considered as a risk factor for those who are suffering from mild to moderate level of depression. However, it is wise to leave the decision on the mental health professional, a certified clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist, to decide if the depression is mild or severe. 

Pathological use of alcohol or any other drug can also impact the person’s emotional as well as rational thinking resulting in a suicidal attempt.

5. Isn’t the person who threatens to kill oneself just trying to manipulate others and not intending to actually kill him or herself?

–    People who are suicidal may often express their motive to others in various ways. Some others  use self-harm without an intention to end their life but to relieve pain or to take out frustration or anger. There are also incidences of people threatening to end their life if the other person does not follow their demand. All of these behaviors are commonly seen by family and friends as attention seeking or manipulative behaviors. From a clinical perspective, they all require clinical attention. But irrespective of what we call it, the risk of death is higher among them and necessary action has to be taken. Sometimes, people can attempt self-harm but an accidental death can occur. Thus do not take any such behaviour lightly and seek professional help immediately. 

6. Can spirituality, yoga, meditation or religious devotion prevent suicide?

–        All the above mentioned ways are to help you get a healthier perspective towards life. But let us not confuse them with professional treatment. If someone is suicidal, take them to the doctor immediately.

Hopefully these have helped you clarify your concepts related to suicide. Now let us see how you can implement #let’stalk in reality in the section II of our blog.