Around 2,000 Australians die from suicide each year. For every person that dies from suicide, it is estimated at least another 30 people attempt suicide.
Many of those who have attempted suicide, or who have seriously thought about killing themselves, will with medical intervention, counselling, social support and time, go on to live full, productive lives.
The majority of people who attempt suicide give warning signs about their intentions. Some common warning signs are:
- expressions of hopelessness or helplessness
- an overwhelming sense of shame or guilt
- a dramatic change in personality or appearance, or irrational or bizarre behaviour
- changed eating or sleeping habits
- a severe drop in school or work performance
- a lack of interest in the future
- written or spoken notice of intention to commit suicide
- giving away posessions and putting their affairs in order.
Workplace managers, supervisors and colleagues may be in a position to notice these warning signs.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
People who are thinking about suicide often feel very alone. they may feel that nobody can help them, or that they are beyond help. They may see suicide as an answer to their problems, and may be unable to see any other way of dealing with their situation. They may believe it is their only way out. Most people who are suicidal can get through the crisis with the help and support of family, friends, health professionals and the community.
If you believe someone is thinking about ending their life it is natural to feel panic or even want to avoid thinking about it - however, there are a number of practical things you can do to help:
- let them know you are concerned
- tell them that you are concerned, and that you are there to help
- Ask if they are thinking about suicide and if they have made any plans
- talking about suicide will not make them take action
- asking shows that you care
- asking will help them talk about their feelings and plans which is the first step to getting help.
- Take action to get help now
- tell them that there are other options to suicide
- don't agree to keep their suicidal thoughts or plans a secret
- don't assume they will get better without help or that they will seek help on their own
- if the person is thinking about suicide, encourage them to make an appointment with a GP, or contact a specialist helpline for information and advice
- if a plan to end their life has been made, check if they are able to carry out this plan for example do they have a time, place or method?
- contact the Psychiatric Emergency Team at the local hospital and the police on 000, report that the person is suicidal, has made a plan, and you fear for their safety.
- Take care of yourself too
- look after yourself as it is emotionally demanding to support someone who is suicidal
- find someone to talk things over with, such as colleagues, family, friends or a helpline.
If an employee is suicidal there are various places to obtain assistance or advice:
- for immediate assistance call Police on 000 or the local hospital Psychiatric Emergency Team
- 24 hour crisis telephone counselling, Lifeline: 13 11 14
- for information and referral, SANE Helpline: 1800 18 SANE (7263), Advisors available office hours EST.
References
Better Health Channel 2010, Suicide and mental illness explained, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 19 May 2010,
<http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Suicide_and_mental_illness_explained?open>.
beyondblue 2006, Depression and suicide, beyondblue, Melbourne, viewed 19 May 2010, <http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=1.426>.
SANE Australia 2008, SANE Steps: How to help when someone is suicidal, SANE Australia, Victoria,
viewed 19 May 2010, <http://www.sane.org/information/factsheets/sane_steps%3a_how_to_help_when_someone_is_suicidal.html>.