Suicide prevention

Dr Ravindra Agrawal, MRCPsych

The sad story.. statistics
One person ends his life every 40 seconds
somewhere in the world



One person attempts suicide every 3 seconds

The Indian sad story
In India about 187000 people deliberately ended
their lives (in 2010)


About 46000 young people in India end their lives
each year


National suicide rate : 11.7 per lakh.

Suicide in Goa
Goa : 18.4 per lakh

nearly 1 in 5000.

Vasco every year 20 die of
suicide.

The rate above is most likely
incorrect. Actual may be upto 8
times higher.

Almost everyone knows a person
who has died of suicide

Why ??
Why ???
Why young people attempt suicide ?
Teen years are anxious and unsettling
Vulnerable to isolation from parents and peers
Perception of rejection
Impulsivity, permanent answer to temporary problems.
Family problems
Domestic violence
Emotional , physical or sexual abuse
Alcoholism in the home
Psychiatric illness
Substance abuse

Psychiatric illness
DEPRESSION
Schophrenia
Drug abuse/ addiction
Other psychological problems

Symptoms of depression in youth are often overlooked as
typical adolescent turmoil
Depression distorts the thinking
( wearing dark glasses )
The misconceptions: False beliefs
People who talk about suicide wont really do
it

False beliefs..
Anyone who tries to kill him/herself must be
crazy.

False beliefs..
If a person is determined to kill him/herself,
nothing is going to stop them

False beliefs..
People who commit suicide are people who
were unwilling to seek help.

False beliefs..
Talking about suicide may give someone the
idea

Warning: look for signs
Look for signs
Talking about suicide
Seeking out lethal means
Preoccupation with death
No hope for the future
Self-loathing, self-hatred
Getting affairs in order
Saying goodbye
Withdrawing from others
Self-destructive behavior
Sudden sense of calm

You can help..
You can help
Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly
about suicide.
Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of
feelings. Accept the feelings.

You can help..
Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether
suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings
are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of
life.
Don't dare him or her to do it.
Don't act shocked. This will put distance
between you.

You can help..
Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
Offer hope that alternatives are available but
do not offer glib reassurance.
Take action. Remove means, such as guns or
stockpiled pills.

You can help..
Get help: teachers, parents, seniors, other
friends
Get professional help from persons
specializing in crisis intervention and suicide
prevention.