Mental disorders, particularly depression and substance abuse, are associated with more than 90% of all cases of suicide.
The warning signs of suicide
Some of the warning signs that people with depression are considering suicide are:
- Making final arrangements - such as giving away possessions, making a will or saying goodbye to friends.
- Talking about death or suicide - this may be a direct statement, such as 'I wish I was dead', but often depressed people will talk about the subject indirectly, using phrases like, 'I think dead people must be happier than us', or 'wouldn't it be nice to go to sleep and never wake up'.
- Self-harm - such as cutting their arms or legs, or burning themselves with cigarettes.
- A sudden lifting of mood - this could mean that a person has decided to commit suicide and feels better because of this decision.
Helping a suicidal friend or relative
If you see any of the above warning signs, you should:
- get professional help for the person,
- let them know they are not alone and you care about them, and
- offer your support in finding other solutions to their problems.
If you feel that there is an immediate danger, stay with the person or have someone stay with them, and remove all available means to suicide. The most obvious means is medication. Over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers can be just as dangerous as prescription medication. Also, remove sharp objects and poisonous household chemicals like bleach.
Helping yourself
If you feel you may be suffering from mild to moderate mental illness, there are lots of organisations to give you the support and advice you need. The NHS, voluntary organisations and private organisations can all help.
Visit your family doctor to find out if general counselling is available in your area. Your GP can advise whether a referral would help you. If you’re having relationship or marriage difficulties, contact Relate (0845 130 4010). Its counsellors can talk things through with you and your partner. You will normally be expected to pay a fee to cover the costs of the sessions, although some Relate centres offer subsidies.
The mental heath charity SANE has a dedicated helpline on 0845 767 8000. The service offers practical information, crisis care and emotional support. It is open from 1pm to 11pm, every day.
