Suicidal Distress

Suicide is different from self-harm or self-injury (although they are all indications of mental illnesses). In self-harm or self-injury, the focus is to inflict pain or injuries on the self, not necessarily with the intention of ending one’s own life. However, research suggests that most suicidal cases often had long histories of self-harm or self-injury. The process of committing suicide often has three (3) stages.

The first stage is suicidal thoughts, which implies that a person begins to think that he/she wants to end his/her own life.

The second is a suicidal plan, which implies that a person begins to plan the method for ending his/her own life. At the second stage, questions such as “Should I take my life by hanging myself or by drinking acid?” is self-asked and answered. The third is a suicidal attempt, which implies that a person executes the method that was planned at the latter stage.

When a suicidal attempt is successful, it is right to say that a person has committed suicide. On the other hand, when a suicidal attempt is not successful, it is described as a failed suicide attempt.

What is Suicide?

Suicide is any thought, plan or attempt to end one’s own life by one’s self. It is a deliberate or conscious effort that is exerted towards ending one’s own life. This suggests that suicidal behaviours are conscious, premeditated or purposeful.

How do you know that someone is suicidal?

• They have obvious marks on their bodies due to frequent self-harm or self-injury

• They are preoccupied with the thoughts of dying

• Suicidal people mostly express signs of depression

• They have loss of interests in pleasurable activities and withdrawal from social activities

• They often blame themselves for the negative life events occurring around them

• People who are suicidal feel hopeless about life

• They also think that nothing good can come out of life for them

• People who are suicidal may sleep too little or sleep excessively

• People who are suicidal make preparations for death, e.g., they may make a will or put all their personal businesses together

• They often have frequent conversations about suicide

Management of Suicidal Behavior

The management of suicide can be broadly grouped into three (3);

Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, compassion-focused therapy, etc.)

Use of medications like antidepressants – Medications such as antidepressants are often combined with psychotherapy when the cause of suicide is rooted in depressive disorders.

Lifestyle modification (e.g., exercise, nutrition, sleep, reduction of stress, etc.) – Modifying lifestyles is a very important aspect of managing suicidal behaviours. For instance, enhanced sleeping time and reduction of stress can serve as important pathways for diverting our attention away from suicidal triggers.

In most cases, the cause of the suicidal behaviour is what informs which management technique to adopt. For instance, if a person is suicidal after failing an exam, then psychotherapy such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) may be efficacious in mitigating the suicidal behaviours.