DEFINITION

Suicide is an act initiated and performed by a person in the knowledge or expectation of its fatal outcome – the act of killing oneself on purpose – the act of self-injury undertaken with a conscious destructive intent (Von Egmond & Dieckstra, 1989; Cole & Siegel, 1990; Marcus, 1996).

Suicide occurs in persons of all ages and backgrounds, but certain groups of people are at increased risk for suicide attempts. These include persons with psychiatric illness and past history of attempted suicide. Males are more likely than females to commit suicide; although attempts are more common among females.

RISK FACTORS FOR SUICIDE:

Risk factors for suicide vary by age, gender, and ethnic group. Risk factors often occur in combinations. Adverse or traumatic life events in combination with other risk factors, such as clinical depression, may lead to suicide. But suicide and suicidal behaviour are never normal responses to stress.

Other risk factors for suicide include:

• One or more prior suicide attempts
• Family history of mental disorder or substance abuse
• Family history of suicide
• Family violence
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Keeping firearms in the home
• Social isolation also increase the risk for suicidal behaviour
• Exposure to the suicidal behaviour of others

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE:

Warning signs that someone may be thinking about or planning to commit suicide include: (suicide and depression:risk factors and warning signs of suicide)

• Always talking or thinking about death
• Clinical depression – deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating – risk that could lead to death, such as driving fast or running red lights
• Losing interest in things one used to care about
• Excessive use of alcohol or drugs as an escape
• History of ill health or psychiatric disorder
• Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
• Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will
• Saying things like "it would be better if I wasn’t here”
• Sudden, unexpected switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
• Talking about suicide
• Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

ARE YOU IN SUICIDAL DANGER?

Make appointment with the Psychologist at Student Counselling & Development:

• E: Herbstp@ufs.ac.za
• T: +27 51 401 2853

Alternatively,

Health & Wellness:

Elizabeth Msadu (Social Worker) at:

• E: msadue@ufs.ac.za
• T: +27 51 401 9117
• C: +27 73 182 3048

Further reading:

• Suicide and depression: risk factors and warning signs of suicide. (n.d). Retrieved November 14, 2013, from depression health centre: http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-recognizing-signs-of-suicide
• http://www.suicide.com/suicidecrisiscenter/