Definitions

Suicide is the act of deliberately killing oneself. Risk factors for suicide include mental disorder (such as depression, personality disorder, alcohol dependence, or schizophrenia), and some physical illnesses, such as neurological disorders, cancer, and HIV infection. There are effective strategies and interventions for the prevention of suicide.  (www.who.int)

Self-harm, also called self injury and self abuse, refers to deliberate acts that cause harm to one’s body, mind and spirit. Examples include cutting the skin with razor blades or pieces of glass; burning and hitting oneself; scratching or picking scabs or preventing wounds from healing; hair pulling; and inserting objects into one’s body. Cutting is the most common form of self injury among today’s youth.  In a broader sense, behaviours such as smoking, alcohol and drug addiction, bingeing on food and staying in an abusive relationship can also be considered forms of self harming.  People who self injure may not be trying to kill themselves. Usually, they are not trying to end all feeling; they are trying to feel better.(www.cmha.ca)

Risk Factors
Risk factors Mental illness, primarily depression and alcohol use disorders, abuse, violence, loss, cultural and social background, represent major risk factors for suicide. (www.who.int)

Prevention
Prevention Restriction of access to means of suicide, such as toxic substances and firearms, identification and management of persons suffering from mental and substance use disorders, improved access to health and social services, and responsible reporting of suicide by the media are effective strategies for the prevention of suicide. (www.who.int)

1. Talking about suicide may give someone the idea.

• Talking about suicide does not create or increase risk. The best way to identify the intention of suicide is to ask directly.
• Open talk and genuine concern is a source of release, and one of the key elements in preventing the immediate risk of suicide.

2. A person who attempts suicide is only looking for attention.

• For some, these behaviors are serious invitations to others to help them live. If help is not available, they may feel it will never come.
• Ignoring suicidal thoughts or actions can be dangerous.
• Help with problems and help in finding others to show need is more likely to be effective in reducing suicidal behaviors.

3. Those who attempted suicide in the past won't try it again.

• 4 out of 5 people who have died by suicide have made at least one previous attempt.

4. Most suicides are caused by one sudden traumatic event.

• A sudden traumatic event may hasten a decision to suicide, but most often many feelings and events have occurred for a long time.

5. A suicidal person clearly wants to die.

• What they want most often is a way to handle circumstances in their life that are difficult and impossible to bear. Escape from the pain of these events may be their intention.
• They may not actually want to carry through with suicide, but instead, desire to avoid life in its present form.
  

6. Suicide is generally carried out without warning.

• 30% of suicides have been preceded with warning signs.
  

7. Males have the highest rate of suicidal behavior in North America.

• Males die by suicide approximately 4 times more often than females, yet females attempt suicide approximately 4 times more often than males. Therefore, females have the highest RATE of suicidal behavior.