As your partner in patient safety, we’re committed to preventing patient self-harm and suicide within the most challenging mental health environments. While we will continue to drive innovation to advance design within mental health settings, we’re also of the belief that suicide prevention should be a shared responsibility of all people in day-to-day life.
September the 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 and with it comes an opportunity for all of us to raise awareness about suicide and what individuals can do on a day-to-day basis to help prevent it.
Raising awareness of suicide
Suicide remains a leading cause of death in Australia, tragically claiming 3,144 lives in 2021 and is the 15th leading cause of death in Australia (Suicide Prevention Australia). As outlined by a report titled ‘Breaking the Silence’ from Lifeline Australia & Suicide Prevention Australia, “most people are unaware that it (suicide) is our greatest preventable public health and social health challenge”.
While a complex matter with no singular cause, suicide can be prevented, and according to a national survey by Lifeline Australia, 74% of Australians believe it is preventable. These figures bring with them a positive feeling, but they also highlight that there is more we can do together to turn our beliefs of suicide being preventable into reality. Suicide prevention is everyone’s concern and the 10th September marks the perfect opportunity to raise our collective awareness of suicide. By sharing knowledge and building our understanding of the warning signs and the steps we can take to help those in need, we can make progress together.
Suicide prevention is everyone’s business and the better we can equip ourselves with knowledge as a nation, the greater impact we can have. Suicide prevention is about being there for people around you, but it begins with understanding what to look for and knowing what you can do to help. Often people will avoid discussing suicide from fear of making it worse, however, research by the National Institutes of Health suggests that this isn’t the case. Everyone can learn the warning signs, how to help, and how to get help.
How can you make a difference in suicide prevention?
What to watch for
Individual, relationship, community, societal – many different factors may influence the risk of suicide and it is very rarely down to one factor alone. Knowing what the warning signs may be can help people know when to offer support to those in need or to seek help themself. These signs can include:
- Feeling like a burden
- Being isolated
- Increased anxiety
- Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Increased substance use
- Looking for a way to access lethal means
- Increased anger or rage
- Extreme mood swings
- Expressing hopelessness
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Talking or posting about wanting to die
- Making plans for suicide
Steps you can take to help someone in need
- Ask: It may not be an easy question to ask, but do not be afraid to ask if someone is having suicidal thoughts. Avoid phrases such as “are you thinking of doing something silly?” and respond calmly and compassionately.
- Keep them safe: After having asked, it’s important to establish immediate safety for the vulnerable person. Keep any persons with suicidal thoughts in a safe environment and away from lethal items. The Lifeline crisis support number (13 11 14) can help if you are unsure of how to keep the person safe. If someone’s life is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero 000.
- Be there: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Being there for someone can mean being physically present, speaking on the phone, or any other way that helps the person to feel supported. It is important to always follow through on any support offered. Being there for someone experiencing suicidal thoughts can be life saving.
- Help them connect: Helping the vulnerable person connect with support services such as Lifeline (call 13 11 14) can also be life saving. You can also help make a connection with resources in the community or mental health professionals, as well as contacting a trusted individual like a family member if possible.
- Follow up: Having ensured the vulnerable person has received the immediate support they require, it is important to follow up with them to see how they are doing. This could be a visit, a phone call, or a text.
Help is available
Thanks to services like Lifeline, 24/7 help is available. If you’re worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available any time of day or night. Call 13 11 14.