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Suicide: Learn to rec ons, and help someone the sl By Hadley Koltun Mental Health and You is'pro- viding a service of the North of Superior Programs. Before reading this article on suicide, I would like you to try this questionnaire. This questionnaire is for your own knowledge. 1) T F People who talk about suicide seldom mean it and can, in fact, be regarded as low risks to commit suicide. 2) T F 80%: of persons who have once attempted suicide will make a second attempt. 3) T F Most suicidal people do not want to die. 4) T F You could influence a suicidal person by talking about suicide. Therefore, never discuss suicide with a person who you may feel is suicidal. ams 5) T F The loss of a loved one has little to do with suicidal behav- ior. ANSWERS 1) F People who commit sui- cide usually have given some clue or warning of intent. Suicide threats and attempts must be taken serious- ly. Read this article and learn the signs. You may save someone's life. 2) T This fact tells us that something must really be troubling the suicidal individual. Professional help can be useful and even life- saving in these situations. 3) T Most often, suicidal per- sons cannot choose between living or dying. They frequently call out for help immediately after the sui- cide attempt. 4) F Asking a suicidal person will not implant an idea or even lead him/her to a suicide attempt. In fact, it may reduce the victim's anxiety surrounding their feelings and the act. This reduces the risk of suicide. 5) F Attempted suicides may be a reaction to a loss of a signifi- cant person in the individual's life (parents, children, spouse) 6) T Suicide is the second lead- ing cause of death among adoles- cents in Canada. It is important for adolescents and people who deal with adolescents to read this article. Suicide has many faces to it. It is not a mental illness, but is often a very important sign or symptom of a major depression or other mental health problems. It is important that we detect distress in loved ones, which may indicate a suicidal risk. Once this is identified, some help is necessary from either your family physician or a mental health profes- sional. First, let's spend some time clearing up some myths and intro- ducing some facts. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. Suicides have also been increasing across the population due to the complexities and stressors of living in our modern world. Another interesting fact is that adolescent females are 10 times more likely to make a suicidal attempt but males are 3 times more successful than females who usually use drug over- doses. Males usually have a more lethal or violent suicidal plan. Quite often, the suicidal individ- ual is usually a middle aged male who has a substance abuse problem (either drugs or alcohol). In addi- tion, he usually has had a major loss in his life, or is going through some major life difficulties. Here are some myths about sui- cide. First, most people believe that asking a suicidal person about his/her wish to die or even about one's plan may put suicidal thoughts in his/her head. This is not true. Most suicidal persons already have a plan and talking about it with a trained professional will often allow the person to feel at ease. A second falsehood is that suicide is a phenomenon only pre- sent in lower classes of society where people cannot afford to get any help. In fact, there is no differ- ence between social class and the number of suicides in that popula- tion group. Reaction to a loss ~ Another myth is that suicide is a moral weakness or is always a sign of mental illness. Although some suicides are attempted by clinically depressed individuals , some sui- cides are attempted by persons who are reacting to a loss of a signifi- cant person in their lives, such as a parent, spouse or child. Many of these people have a strong moral component to themselves but they find the emotional pain they have to be unbearable. It is necessary for them to get help from a trained pro- fessional. It is also important for you to detect and know the signs. The first tule is to always take the threat of suicide seriously. Signs of a problem 1. Look for signs of depression, which include prolonged sadness or guilt, loss of appetite and lack of interest in activities. 2. Listen for direct or indirect statements which reveals preoccu- pation with death. These may occur after the loss of a significant person in the life of the patient. 3. Look for a drastic change in the behavior of the patient. A per- son who was once "happy-go- lucky" and then suddenly becomes gloomy may be contemplating sui- cide. 4. Look for a non-interest in the future over an extended period of time, especially after a loss. 5. A person who has made a previous attempt will, with a 90% certainty, make another attempt. An individual with a history of suicide is at risk. 6. Is the individual making final plans or "tying up loose ends"? Making final plans, such as giving away belongings, or making amends with loved ones can be a sign of suicidal intent. 7. Sudden improvement in his/her mood should not be taken as a very stable improvement. The patient could be planning a suicide attempt. 8. Self-destructive behavior such as a suicide attempt is a tell- tale sign of suicide. Even severe acting-out behavior such as 'aggres- sion or fight-picking. The. next important question is what to do when a suicide attempt is about to be or has been attempt- Page 9, News, Wednesday, May 25, 1988 ognize ed. Firstly, always attend to the emergency situation. Check to see if thé person is conscious and breathing. Send someone to get some emergency help. If the person is conscious and coherent, talk to him/her in a calming and reassur- ing manner. If the individual is only consid- ering the possibility of suicide, do not be afraid to ask why he/she is thinking about it and how one intends on accomplishing this. By asking them these questions, you demonstrate some concern. Direct that individual to the care of a family physician who will be able to decide what type of treat- ment or action is necessary to take. If it is further warranted, the physician may refer the patient to see a mental health professional for counselling and easing of the emo- tional pain, which frequently mot- vates a Suicide attempt. Remember that suicide is preventable and, most of all, many suicidal individu- als do not want to die. They will later be grateful that you recog- nized the signs of suicide. WARNING SIGNS FOR SUICIDE 1. Depression. 2. Direct or indirect statements reveal preoccupation with death. 3. Drastic change in behavior. 4. No interest in future plans. 5. Previous attempts. 6. Making final plans. 7. Sudden improvement after depressive episode. 8. Self-destructive behavior. & Your own «0 . PRIVATE ° Storage < Area - Sizes 10'x 24's Box 1113 a - Roll Up Door 7' x 9' - Rates: Weekly, Monthly or Yearly - Located Industrial area, Overpass Road Superior Mini Warehouse 825-3638 -- Terrace Bay, Ontari« Weg Witches 10 WEEK COMMUNITY WORKSHOP ® - Tarrot Card Reading Tea Cup Re May 24 & 25 at The Red Dog Inn, Terrace Bay & aving by TINA the rest of your life! Special Meeting Being Formed For SCHREIBER Now you can.enjoy all the benefits of our amazing Quick Success® program right in your own town. And you can lose weight 20% faster in the first 2 weeks. 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