World Suicide Prevention Day: Five steps to help a person at risk
Suicide is a difficult topic but discussing it is crucial. Conversations about suicide can help prevent tragic and untimely deaths.
World Suicide Prevention Day, which is on September 10, is a day dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about suicide prevention. This annual event aims to reduce suicide rates and reach individuals who need professional support.
Every year, about 700 000 people die by suicide worldwide. For every suicide, there are about 20 attempts.
In 2019, suicide became the fourth leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29 globally. Alarmingly, it’s estimated that one in five people will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives.
In South Africa, the situation is particularly concerning. The country ranks in the top 10 worldwide for suicide rates, with 23.5 suicides per 100 000 people, translating to roughly 14 000 suicides each year.
The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to reduce the global suicide rate by one-third by 2030. To meet this goal, countries with high suicide rates must prioritise effective interventions.
Megan Gonsalves, the crisis line and marketing manager at Netcare Akeso, shared insights into the complexities of suicide. “There is rarely a single deciding factor,” she explained.
"However, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and interpersonal conflicts often contribute to the risk.“
Gonsalves noted that while some suicides are planned, many are impulsive. A study by the Harvard School of Public Health revealed that one in four survivors of near-lethal suicide attempts decided within five minutes.
Only 13% had contemplated suicide for more than a day.
Further research indicated that nearly half of people attempt suicide within just 10 minutes of having the thought. An Australian study found that 40% of individuals acted on their suicidal thoughts within the first five minutes.
“It is deeply disturbing that in a mere five minutes, a person can decide to end their life for ever. Netcare Akeso is creating awareness with a campaign, ‘One Call – the difference between now and for ever’, to intervene in these crucial minutes when a person may be contemplating suicide.”
The campaign is aimed at helping individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts to find clarity and hope beyond their immediate crises. The initiative focuses on guiding people out of the “fog” they may feel trapped in, moving them toward a brighter future.
Gonsalves emphasised the importance of connection.
“One call to check on a friend, colleague or family member, who is going through a tough time can make the difference between life and death for someone who’s suicidal,” she said.
Approaching someone who may be having suicidal thoughts can be difficult. Gonsalves noted that these conversations need to be direct to understand the risks and determine how to help.
Here are five practical steps to take if you are concerned about someone:
1. Ask: be direct: Enquire if the person is thinking about suicide or has plans to harm themselves. It’s important to open the door for honest discussion.
2. Be there: listen without judgement: This is not an easy conversation for them, so your willingness to listen can provide comfort. You don’t need to offer advice; just being present is valuable.
3. Help them stay safe: Don’t leave the person alone. Try to reduce access to harmful items or places where they could attempt suicide. Asking if they have a specific plan can help identify risks and keep them safe.
4. Connect with professional help: There are many resources available. For immediate support, you can contact the Netcare Akeso 24-hour crisis line at 0861 435 787 or the South African Anxiety and Depression Group (SADAG) at 0800 567 567. Help guide the person to these resources, ensuring they have support.
5. Follow up: Stay in touch after the crisis or after they have reached out for help. Ongoing support is crucial for mental health and well-being.
Tragically, stigma remains the main barrier to people seeking help when they are at potential risk of developing suicidal ideation.
This could be influenced by the taboo many feel when it comes to discussing mental health and a misplaced, though widespread, societal belief that suicide shouldn’t be spoken of.
This only perpetuates feelings of shame or failure that stand in the way of people reaching out when they need support and treatment.
“The more people who speak up to encourage suicide prevention strategies and know how to offer support to someone who could be at risk, the greater our chance of dismantling the stigma and reducing the unquantifiable burden of tragedy the suicide rate represents.”
Acting to intervene in the space of opportunity before somebody takes their life can be as simple as making a phone call. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you know someone who may be at risk of suicide.