Suicide

Suicidal thoughts can occur to anyone at any point in their life and are more common than you may realise. They can be frightening, confusing and isolating, and you may be feeling overwhelming pain, hopeless, worthless, isolated, or like there is no way out. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts it is important to reach out and let someone know how you’re feeling. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14

  • Most suicidal people don't wish to die. They're incapable of seeing other options. Their warning signs are calls for help before they take the only option they can see.

  • If you feel that a friend, work colleague, family member or anyone else you know may be suicidal, it is important to ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide.

    It may be frightening to ask this, but you can rest assured that it shows to the person that you sincerely care about them, their wellbeing and that they have someone to talk to.

  • If the person you ask says 'yes' and confirms that they have been thinking of suicide, listen to what they have to say in a non-judgmental and empathetic way. Encourage them to express their feelings to you; Suicidal people often feel isolated and unimportant.

    Take every threat seriously, because it is a call for help. Make sure you stay with them, or find someone else who is reliable to help and stay by their side.

  • Contact a crisis hotline such as Lifeline 131 11 14 or 000 if a life is in danger. If an individual has stated that they have a suicide plan and are threatening immediate action, do not leave them alone - take whatever action is necessary to get them into professional hands.

    If they don’t have a plan, it may not be an immediate crisis. Nevertheless there is a serious problem. Encourage them to get professional help and offer to help make the first call.

Suicide in the dental profession

A number of studies have identified that dental practitioners appear to be at a significantly higher risk of suicide than the general population. Many people in the profession will know of a colleague who has died by suicide.

How can we tell if someone is a suicide risk?

Many people who attempt or end their life by suicide show signs beforehand. If we can recognise people who are depressed and at risk of taking their own life, we have the opportunity to intervene with the best chance of a positive outcome. Be aware that 25% of suicides do not show signs before they make an attempt.

Risk factors:

  • Any of the symptoms of depression

  • Anyone who speaks actively of suicide should be considered at risk

  • Recent loss - divorce, separation or relationship breakdown, death of family or friend, retirement, loss of job, money, status, security or health problems

  • Family history of suicide

  • Substance abuse

  • Prior suicide attempts

  • Declining performance and participation in work, relationships, hobbies and socially

  • Acquiring the means to take their own life, or working out a plan (where, when, how)

What can I do to help someone who may be suicidal?

Take the threat very seriously. Every threat is, in truth, a call for help. Better to risk embarrassment if you are wrong than to be remorseful forever.

Once you take the threat seriously and offer to help here are other suggestions:

  • Listen. Suicidal people often feel isolated and unimportant. Be non-judgmental and empathetic.

  • Most suicidal people don't wish to die. They're incapable of seeing other options. Their warning signs are calls for help before they take the only option they can see.

  • If you're unsure, ask if they're suicidal. Asking will not make it worse; rather, it gives them permission to talk.

  • Talking gives a sense of connection, of hope, and shows that someone cares enough to listen and support them.

  • If they're suicidal, ask if they have a plan. Do they have the means? Have they thought about when to attempt it?

  • If they don’t have a plan, it may not be an immediate crisis. Nevertheless there is a serious problem. Encourage them to get professional help and offer to help make the first call.

  • If they do have a plan but are not threatening immediate action, ensure they agree to not taking suicidal action until they see you again. You could formalise this into a contract, agreement or promise. Again, encourage professional help and offer to help make the first call.

  • If they have a plan and are threatening immediate action, do not leave them alone. Take whatever action is necessary to get them into professional hands.