SUICIDE

PREVENTION
John Bethto I. Leong, RN
Nurse II
Division of Guihulngan City
AGENDA
Introduction​
What is suicide?
​Causes of suicide
Warning signs and method of suicide
​Common myths and misconception
Prevention and control
INTRODUCTION
Suicide is never a decision taken in a
spur of a moment.

It is the result of a pervasive battle

fought with the unfavorable
circumstances in one’s life.

Suicide is a personal tragedy that

prematurely takes the life of an
individual and has a continuing ripple
effect, dramatically affecting the lives
of families, friends and communities.
WHAT IS SUICIDE?
Suicide is an act of deliberate, self-inflicted,
intentional, taking off one’s own life.

Para-suicide (attempted suicide) is the act of self-

intentional injury carried out by a person to die but
survives.

The case of SUICIDE is more common in MALES,

whereas the PARA-SUICIDE is more among
FEMALES.
GLOBAL DATA
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death worldwide.

• 3rd leading cause of death in 15-29 year olds.

• Nearly 1 million people worldwide commit suicide each year, with

anywhere from 10-20 million suicide attempts annually.

• 1 person every 40 seconds dies of suicide.

• India and China account for 40% or more of annual suicides globally.
 7

MAJOR CAUSES OF SUICIDE

Untreated Genetically Depression Fear to face the

mental illness predisposed problems
OTHER CAUSES
• The death of a loved one
• Divorce, separation or
breakup of a relationship
• Losing custody of children
• A serious loss (job, house,
money)
• Serious and terminal illness
• A serious accident
• Chronic physical pain
• Intense emotional pain
• Loss of hope
• Being victimized
• Physical, verbal and sexual
abuse
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Feeling helpless
• Inability to deal with a
perceived “failure”
• A feeling of not being
accepted by family, friends
and society
• A horrible disappointment
• Bullying
• Low self-esteem
 WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE

• Appearing depressed or • Making overt • Giving away prized

sad most of the time statements like “I can’t possessions
• Feeling take it anymore.” • Making out a will
hopeless/expressing • Making covert • Being preoccupied with
hopelessness statements like “I won’t death or dying
• Withdrawing from be a problem for much • Neglecting personal
family and friends longer.” hygiene
• Sleeping too much or • Losing interest in most • Self destructive
too little activities behavior
METHODS OF SUICIDE
Most common methods used:

• Ingestion of poison or pesticides

• Hanging
• Firearms

Other methods:

• Burning
• Drowning
• Jumping in front of train or vehicle
COMMON MYTH AND
MISCONCEPTIONS
MYTH: Suicide happens without a warning.

FACT: Almost everyone who commits suicide has given some clue or warning. You
just missed it.

MYTH: People who attempt suicide really want to die.

FACT: Rather than wanting to die, they just wanted the pain to stop. May be you
could have helped them to stop.
COMMON MYTH AND
MISCONCEPTIONS
MYTH: People who talk about suicide won’t really do it.

FACT: Talking about suicide can be a plea for help and it can be a sign in the
progression towards a suicide attempt.

MYTH: People who die by suicide are unwilling to seek help, they actually want to
die

FACT: More than 50% of suicide victims try to get help before attempting suicide.
Even a severely depressed person has a mixed feelings about death, fluctuating
between wanting to live and wanting to die.
COMMON MYTH AND
MISCONCEPTIONS
MYTH: All suicidal individuals are mentally ill.

FACT: Most of the suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. They are upset,
grief stricken, despaired and extremely distressed.

MYTH: Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.

FACT: You don’t give suicidal ideas to someone by talking about suicide. Rather,
talking openly and honestly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.
PREVENTION AND
CONTROL
Suicides are preventable. There are a number of
measures that can be taken at population, sub-
population and individual levels to prevent suicide and
suicide attempts.
HOW SUICIDE CAN BE
PREVENTED?

YOU can prevent suicide by recognizing the warning

signs and taking them seriously.

If you think a friend or family member is considering

suicide, there’s plenty you can do to HELP SAVE A
LIFE.
1. SPEAK UP

It’s natural to feel uncomfortable or afraid to talk about

suicide. But the people who show warning signs need
immediate help. The sooner, the better.

Ask them if they’re thinking about killing themselves.

2. RESPOND QUICKLY IN
A CRISIS

If a suicide attempt seems imminent, dial 911 or seek

help. Remove all the potentially lethal objects but DO
NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, LEAVE A
SUICIDAL PERSON ALONE.
3. BE THERE WITH THEM

Listen carefully what they feel. Let your friends and

family members know that they are not alone and that
your care. It can instill a HOPE in the suicidal person.
 WHO CAN HELP?

Healthcare Mental health Counselors

professionals care professionals
SUMMARY

Take any suicidal talk or

behavior seriously. It’s not just a
warning sign that the person is
thinking about suicide - IT’S A
CRY FOR HELP.
NATIONAL CENTER
FOR MENTAL HEALTH
CRISIS HOTLINE

HELP IS AVAILABLE
Speak with someone today

Hours: Available 24/7

0966-351-4518
THANK YOU