Every day, ten Canadians die by suicide. Although women have a higher rate to do self-harm, men and teenage boys have a higher risk to commit suicide. This is alarming information, considering that we are currently experiencing a global pandemic which is fast becoming a major stressor for everyone.
The good news is, governments and private organizations are doing some steps to respond to the need to address cases of suicide in Canada.
In Edmonton, the city is making a move to decrease the rate of suicide by offering free online courses for everyone. Advocates say that every day, 11 people in Edmonton attempt or take their life by suicide. They believe that launching an online platform where people can discuss suicide and its impact can lower the current number of cases. The course covers conversations on how to identify signs of suicidal thoughts and how you can intervene or support someone having this problem. The city initially opened 2,000 spots for this project.
Besides providing the avenue for discussion, the initiative also aims to break the stigma on suicide and change the perception that asking for help about this is a sign of weakness. Suicide is something that can be prevented and it is everyone’s business.
What are the risk factors?
One of the major causes of suicide is depression. When the depression comes to a point where it’s affecting the person’s decision-making skills and is clouding his or her rational thought, suicide becomes a high risk. A person who is depressed may not see solutions to their current problems and cannot think that things can get better.
When it comes to sex, women are more likely to attempt suicide but it’s the males who are more likely to succeed doing it. Other circumstances that increase the possibility of a person committing suicide include:
· Carrying hidden traumas whether in the past or present;
· Suffering a recent loss of a loved one;
· Belonging to a minority gender or sexual orientation;
· Belonging to a minority ethnic community;
· Isolation or intense withdrawal from human interaction;
· Subjection to suicidal media or suicidal circle of people;
· Exposure to extreme social conditions like homelessness;
· Having a personal history of suicide attempts;
· Having a family history of suicide;
· Having a previous diagnosis of mental ailments such as schizophrenia or bipolar illness;
· Having a history of substance or drug abuse;
· Easy access to dangerous items like knives, guns, ropes, or certain medications.
How to spot the warning signs
If you are watching out for suicide red flags, it’s crucial to observe any change in behavior, verbal clues, or extreme mood changes in an individual. If these changes and cues are accompanied by circumstances that can trigger suicide, you have all the more reason to vigilantly lookout for a friend or loved one. Here are the verbal, behavioral, and mood-related warning signs that you might want to spot quickly:
Verbal
Check if the person is talking about these things in social media or during conversations:
· Talking about feelings of hopelessness;
· Making statements about killing themselves (Example: “I want to end this all.” or “This is a good time to say goodbye to this world.”);
· Expressing that he is or she becoming a burden to everyone (Example: “Maybe my parents will be happier if I’m not around anymore.” or “I think it’s better off for my friends if I die.”);
· Losing the reason to live. (Example: I wish I did not exist in this world.”);
· Talking about an unbearable pain or heaviness; and,
· Talking about feeling trapped;
Behavioral
Look out for the following changes in behavior especially if preceded by a loss of a loved one or an overwhelming personal problem:
· Overuse of drugs or substances;
· Overconsumption of alcohol;
· Avoiding social activities and other interactions that he or she will normally have no problem doing;
· Having indications of planning an attempt to end his or her life, like finding resources on the internet on how to end one’s life;
· Prolonged isolation from friends, family, and loved ones;
· Frequent bouts of insomnia;
· Making attempts to contact people (friends or family) to say goodbye to them;
· Snapping at people or becoming too aggressive;
· Experiencing unexplainable tiredness; and,
· Giving away or selling possessions that are important to him or her.
Mood-related
Those who are suicidal may also manifest these moods:
· Severe anxiety (having irrational fear, or intense over-thinking);
· Depression;
· Extreme irritability;
· Lack of interest in anything;
· Feelings of humiliation or embarrassment; and,
· Unexplainable anger or agitation;
If the person displays these warning signs, consider discussing the possibility of getting professional help for your family or friend. If he is not willing to personally go to a walk in clinic Edmonton, you can consider online means. Check if there are online support groups for suicidal cases or contact an online doctor who can talk to your friend or relative.