THEThe 10 September of each year is celebrated the World day for suicide prevention. The most important goal of this initiative supported byInternational Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)co-sponsored by World Health Organization (Who)is to increase awareness in the scientific community and in the general population that suicide is a phenomenon that can be prevented.
According to the WHO every year in the world, suicide is among the first 20 main causes of death for people of all ages and the third cause of death between children aged 15-19. For the three-year period 2024-2026 the anniversary will be dedicated to the theme “Change the narrative on suicide”. The goal is Keep silence and stigma To create a welcoming environment for people at risk, Raise the protection and prevention thresholds and break down prejudices and false myths. We talked about it with the Dr. Beatrice Casoni Psychiatrist at the Errese dental medical clinic in Ferrara.
False myths about suicide to be dispelled
One of the main obstacles to prevention is the diffusion of false myths that contribute to isolating those who suffer:
“Those who speak of suicide never do so”
On the contrary, talking about suicide can be a cry of help. Most of the people who dies from suicide have somehow experienced their suffering so it is always appropriate not to underestimate those who talk about it. However, it is understandable that it can be difficult, in particular for those who do not have suitable training, identify this type of suffering. Even the fear and refusal that such a bloody action is taken into consideration by someone who is dear to us can lead us to defend ourselves and lead us not to want to feel or not want to see the suffering of those who love.
“Whoever wants to commit suicide do it without notice”
In reality, there are often signs and behaviors that, if recognized in time, can offer the opportunity to intervene. Certainly impulsiveness plays a role but paying attention to alarm signals such as very low mood and pessimistic thoughts, feeling of loss of hope for the future or feelings of guilt can be important to intervene before the suicidal gesture is implemented.
“Talking about suicide instigate suicide”
It is not true, indeed tackling the theme in a respectful and professional way can help to break the silence, reduce the stigma and offer a listening channel. Making you feel in difficulty that can open up without the fear of being judged or considered “mad” can help lower the level of anguish and find a space to face suffering by trying relief.
What are the risk factors
Suicide is a complex phenomenon, influenced by multiple factors:
Psychological: Depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, addictions.
Biological: Neurochemical imbalances, family history of suicide or mental disorders.
Social: Isolation, bullying, discrimination, economic or work difficulties.
Traumatic events: mourning, abuse, chronic or disabling diseases.
Suicide: the signs of danger
Recognizing the signals can save a lifetime. Some alarm bells include sudden changes in mood or behaviorin particular in a depressive sense with expressions of despair, sense of guilt or uselessness. Attention must also be paid to expressions of resignation and feelings of loss of meaning or personal purpose
Important Do not underestimate the withdrawal from social relations and daily activities as well as putting in order of their personal affairs or the donation of expensive objects.
How to talk about suicide
Talking about suicide is not easy, but it can make a difference. Listening without judging offering a safe space, where the person feels welcomed and understood. Ask directly, gently but clarity: “Have you ever thought of hurting yourself?” “Have you ever thought about ending it?”, “Do you have thoughts related to suicide?”.
Ask these questions does not increase the risk, but it shows that you are ready to listen.
If you have the doubt that someone we know may have in mind to attempt suicide or in any case badly and can slip in suicidal ideation it is essential not to minimize limiting to saying that everything will be fine but it is necessary to ask for help from a psychiatrist or psychotherapist professional who has the useful skills to evaluate the real risk, exploring the frequency of thoughts, the presence of a plan, the means to implement it.
The importance of listening
Suicide is not inevitable but timely interventions, support relationships, access to adequate care and reduction of stigma are powerful prevention tools. Each listening gesture, every right word, can be a light in the dark for those who are going through a difficult moment.