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In general, mental health remains a difficult subject to discuss. Despite the recent normalization of mental health discussion and its de-stigmatization, 40% of men do not talk about their mental health. This remains true with suicide as well.
Additionally, for those who haven’t experienced legitimate suicidal thoughts, also known as Suicidal Ideation, the very idea of suicide can be hard to comprehend. However, being able to discuss suicide with those experiencing suicidal ideation is one of the first and most important steps in helping to prevent it from happening.
Some may fear that talking about suicide may encourage the act. However, it’s been shown that fears shared are more likely diminished. Perhaps this fear stems from other misconceptions about suicide. Many believe that if someone is determined to commit suicide that they will go through with it no matter what. But in most cases, suicidal thoughts don’t originate from some obsession with dying, but instead from the feelings surrounding the negative situation they’re in. Perhaps that distinction seems small, but it’s important. Discussing suicide can help to uncover the true underlying feelings and help to open up new possibilities and can encourage them to seek professional help.
Suicidal Ideation is the result of hopelessness and a lack of cognitive flexibility. Their mind becomes so fixated on the idea that it’s the only solution to their problems. Without outside influence they cannot cognitively comprehend alternatives. Some studies show that those who would commit more lethal suicide attempts (using a gun, jumping, etc.) are also less likely to seek help, as opposed to those who would commit less lethal attempts (i.e. pill overdose). In either case, reaching out to those you are concerned are experiencing suicidal thoughts can be a profoundly effective step in preventing it.
More often than thought, those susceptible to suicidal thoughts believe that they are alone, misunderstood, and a burden. Keeping communication open with them can help them understand that they are none of those things and can help them to cognitively see more alternatives to suicide. Talk to them, check in often, call or text, and be willing to have difficult and uncomfortable conversations about suicide. To better prepare yourself for having these discussions and for better identifying suicidal behavior sooner, you can attend a suicide awareness course. QPR offers online course in suicide awareness and prevention, which you can find on their website here: https://qprinstitute.com/
Keep in mind, however, that you are likely not a certified psychiatrist or therapist, so the ultimate goal should be helping them decide to seek professional help. But being open to talk about this difficult subject, and being there for them, can be their first step towards actively seeking professional help.
By breaking down the taboo around suicide discussion and by seeking to understand suicidal ideation, we can all help recognize and prevent it.
For more information, visit:
https://www.uchealth.org/today/suicidal-ideation-and-how-to-help/
https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20081224
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash