When someone is experiencing thoughts and feelings of ending their life it can be overwhelming and frightening but experts say stepping up and having a tough conversation might help save a life.
On average seven Australians take their own life each day, or 2,535 each year, and shockingly suicide is the leading cause of death for men and women aged between 15 and 44 in this country.
Following the death of Robin Williams, youth organisation Generation Next reported that there was a 25 per cent increase in calls to Lifeline which suggests a person’s risk of suicide increases following a high-profile death.
In 2013 Canadian researchers found teenagers who had a friend who had committed suicide were five times more likely to have suicidal thoughts themselves.
The effect — known as the “suicide contagion” — was most pronounced in 12 and 13-year-olds and the increased risk lasts for two or more years.
In a recent interview, Lifeline chair, John Brogden spoke about the importance of speaking to your kids and pointed out what he called the “biggest myth” about suicide.
“All the research shows today that you are better to talk about it than to not talk about it,” Brogden says.
“If you’re the parent of a teenage child who you think is under incredible stress or pressure going off the rails, really worrying you, you would automatically think ‘Well I shouldn’t talk to them about suicide and put that thought in their mind.’
“Well, all the research says the best thing to do is to draw it out… to talk about it.”
So how do you reach out to those who you think might need help? Lifeline has outlined a three step strategy for suicide prevention.
Ask
If you think someone might be suicidal, ask them directly “Are you thinking about suicide?” Don’t be afraid to do this, it shows you care and will actually decrease their risk because it shows someone is willing to talk about it. Make sure you ask directly and unambiguously.
Listen and stay with them
If they say ‘yes’, they are suicidal, listen to them and allow them to express how they are feeling. Don’t leave them alone. Stay with them or get someone else reliable to stay with them.
Get help
Get them appropriate help. Call a crisis line like Lifeline 13 11 14 or 000 if life is in danger. If life is not in danger and you can get in straight away, visit a GP or psychologist. Even if the danger is not immediate the person will often need longer term support for the issues that led to them feeling this way.
World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10 and the R U OK? Day national suicide prevention campaign is on September 11.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
