If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please seek help from a mental health professional or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call 000.
Suicidality refers to thoughts, behaviours, and actions related to ending one's own life. It is a complex and sensitive issue. There are two forms of suicidality:
- Active suicidality - involves intent and planning
- Passive suicidality - a wish to not exist, without any intent or desire to act on it
What to Look Out For
Suicidal thoughts and behaviours can show up in various ways. Some common things to be aware of include:
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness and despair
- Talking about death or suicide, or making plans for suicide
- Drinking or using drugs more than usual
- Withdrawing from social activities and relationships
- Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviours
- Sudden changes in mood, such as intense sadness, agitation, or anger
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels
- Giving away personal possessions
Myths about Suicidality
Myth #1 If someone talks about suicide a lot (or across a long period of time) they are not at risk
The opposite is in fact true. While people can be highly suicidal and have told no one, someone talking about suicide (even over a very long period of time) is associated with increased risk.
Myth #2 If someone has survived a suicide attempt, they won’t try again
A previous attempt is one of the strongest known risk factors.
Myth #3 People who talk about suicide are attention seeking
This myth is extremely damaging to the many people who are in significant distress and have genuine intrusive urges to die. While a small number of people may talk about suicide without intent, it is extremely risky to assume no intent. Even health professionals with extensive experience in this area can find it hard to assess risk, so it is important to take every mention of suicide calmly and seriously.
Myth #4 Suicide is selfish
It is important to understand that when people are mentally well and thinking calmly, they are able to consider the impact on others. However, under cumulative stress and ongoing, unbearable pain, people can get to a point where they cannot think of anything other than their pain and how to end it.
A number of our clients have told us that during times of extreme distress and high risk they genuinely believed that the world would be a better place without them and that those around them would be relieved if they were to die.
Myth #5 If someone’s mood picks up they are no longer at risk
Unfortunately the opposite can be true. An increase in mood can mean that someone has made a plan to end their life and is feeling relief at the thought that their pain will soon end.
Suicidality Causes and Contributing Factors
Suicidality can be influenced by a combination of genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Some common contributing factors include:
- Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
- Alcohol or drug use
- A history of trauma or abuse
- Ongoing physical health conditions or pain
- Family history of suicide or mental health conditions
- Social isolation or loneliness
- Financial or relationship stressors
Support Options and Strategies for Suicidality
Support for suicidality will depend on the underlying causes and contributing factors. Some common options include:
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and other forms of therapy can help people build coping skills, improve communication, and work on underlying mental health difficulties.
- Medication: Antidepressants, mood stabilisers, or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to treat underlying mental health conditions.
- Inpatient treatment: When suicide risk is high or someone is very unwell, hospitalisation and intensive treatment may be necessary.
- Support groups: Peer support groups and group therapy can provide a sense of community and understanding for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviours.
Tips for Helping a Loved One with Suicidality
- Encourage open communication: Create a safe and supportive environment for them to express their feelings and concerns.
- Be non-judgemental: Listen and empathise without dismissing, minimising, or judging their feelings or experiences.
- Offer practical support: Help them identify and access mental health resources, such as therapy, support groups, or crisis hotlines.
- Stay connected: Regularly check in with them and encourage their involvement in social activities.
- Educate yourself: Learn about suicide prevention, mental health conditions, and effective support strategies.
- Seek psychological support: Consider seeing a psychologist who works in the area of suicidality.
