Suicide Prevention

Most suicides in psychiatric patients are preventable. Suicide prevention involves efforts to reduce the risk of suicide by addressing the factors that contribute to it and providing support to those at risk. The most straightforward clinical approach that can be used is to convince the patient who are suicidal to call for help when they become uncertain about their ability to control their suicidal impulses. Key aspects for determining a suicidal impulse in a patient include:

1. Recognizing Warning Signs: These can include talking about wanting to die, feelings of hopelessness, withdrawal from loved ones, changes in behavior, and increased substance use.
2. Offering Support: Encourage open conversations about feelings. Listen without judgment, offer empathy, and avoid minimizing their concerns.
3. Seeking Professional Help: Connect the person with mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists. In cases of immediate risk, emergency services should be contacted.
4. Creating a Safety Plan: Develop a step-by-step plan for the person to follow during a crisis, including contacts they can reach out to, safe places they can go, and coping strategies.
5. Reducing Access to Means: Limiting access to the tools or methods a person might use to harm themselves can significantly reduce the risk.
6. Promoting Awareness: Educating the public about mental health and suicide can help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help early.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, it’s important to seek help immediately. Many countries have suicide prevention hotlines and resources that offer confidential support. In India we can reach out on following helplines for suicide prevention: KIRAN: 18005990019, iCALL: 9152987821, ROSHNI: (040-66202000),
SNEHA: 044-24640059, AASRA: 91-9820466726.