The incidence of suicide is increasing in today's world, impacting many lives in its wake. Two friends of mine lost their partners to suicide. It was a huge shock and devastating for their families. A boy at my son’s school succumbed to bullying online and took his own life. He was only 15. The alarming rise in suicide rates since 2017 underscores the imperative for each one of us to take responsibility for recognising and addressing the signs of distress in those around us.

As someone who works in the mental health wellness field, I recognise the gravity of encountering individuals in crisis who may be contemplating suicide. So I seek to enhance my knowledge and skills in mental health first aid and suicide prevention. Recently, I participated in a free, half-day Suicide Prevention Training session - a valuable experience that illuminated the severity of the issue and equipped me with crucial insights. 

What did I learn? There are some very concerning statistics. For example, men are 75 per cent more likely to die by suicide than women. A number of research studies are looking into why that is. On the contrary, women tend to suffer higher rates of depression and suicide attempts. This begs the question, “Why are men struggling – and what can be done about it?” but that’s a topic for another day. There is a school of thought that for generations, many societies have encouraged men to be strong, instead of admitting that they’re struggling. Hold that thought.

The incidence of death by suicide is more than double that of the road toll. “Over 3,000 Australians die from suicide each year, with mental health conditions being a significant risk factor. It’s estimated that 5 per cent of Australians have attempted to take their own life. This equates to an average of 8.57 deaths by suicide in Australia each day,” according to the Victorian Government’s Department of Health’s Better Health Channel.

Research indicates that mental health conditions such as depression, psychosis and substance use are associated with an increased risk of suicide. However, experiencing risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean a person will contemplate, or attempt, taking their own life.

The good news is that “protective factors” can reduce the risk of suicide. Mental health care, counselling, social support and connectedness, sport and exercise – even having a companion animal – are particularly effective.

A pivotal takeaway from the training was the imperative to destigmatise conversations around suicide. By reframing language and avoiding using terms such as "committed suicide" in favour of more neutral expressions such as "died by suicide," we contribute to a culture of openness and understanding. Also, suicide has been decriminalised in Australia. 

Look for the warning signs: these may include mood changes and/or withdrawing from friends and family, or increasingly risky behaviour, drug and alcohol use. You may notice negative self-talk, e.g. “I am just a burden,” or indications that they feel hope- or helpless. These reactions can be the result of a specific and current situation or of severe depression and be episodic and variable. 

In times of crisis, people may exhibit various responses, ranging from anger and restlessness to withdrawal and isolation. To understand these diverse reactions and identify potential triggers can aid in providing timely support and intervention. I was particularly struck by the concept of "psychache," a term coined by Edwin Shneidman, which encapsulates the profound emotional pain experienced by individuals contemplating suicide.

Let’s revisit the thought about having to remain strong. To admit that you are struggling and talking about how you are feeling is crucial. Start that conversation with someone with psychache, and just listen. You can reflect back on things that they have said, to gain an understanding about what's going on for them. Was there a precipitating event? For example, losses such as a relationship breakdown, the loss of a job or a home, loss of independence, health or a sense of purpose?

The goal, of course, is to encourage them to talk to be able to seek appropriate help. You can encourage anyone who may be having suicidal thoughts to talk to Lifeline Australia (13 11 14), which offers support around the clock. There is also a Kids Helpline (1800 551 800). For families grappling with the aftermath of a suicide, services like StandBy (1300 659 467) offers much-needed support and guidance.

Equipped with newfound knowledge and insights, I wholeheartedly advocate for suicide prevention training as a crucial step toward building resilient and supportive communities. There are several initiatives* that offer free and comprehensive training programs accessible to diverse audiences. These play a pivotal role in equipping individuals with the skills and resources to intervene effectively. 

Everyone’s life matters. To ask for help when you need it, is not a sign of weakness – it takes courage. 

-----------------------

*Lifeline Australia, CORES, LivingWorks AU, MATES, and Suicide Prevention Australia.