Summary about Disease
Suicide attempt is a non-fatal act of self-harm with the intent to end one's life. It's a serious indicator of severe emotional distress, mental health problems, and a significant risk factor for future suicide. It is not a disease in itself but rather a manifestation of underlying issues.
Symptoms
Statements about wanting to die or disappear.
Expressing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or being a burden.
Increased anxiety, agitation, or irritability.
Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities.
Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping).
Changes in appetite or weight.
Giving away possessions or making arrangements for their affairs.
Reckless behavior.
Increased substance use (alcohol or drugs).
Isolation.
Searching online for methods of suicide.
Causes
Suicide attempts are complex and rarely have a single cause. Contributing factors can include:
Mental health disorders: Depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders.
Substance abuse: Alcohol or drug dependence.
Trauma: History of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional), neglect, or witnessing violence.
Loss: Bereavement, relationship breakup, job loss, financial difficulties.
Social isolation: Lack of social support, feeling alone.
Chronic pain or illness: Conditions that cause significant suffering.
Family history of suicide: Genetics and learned behaviors can play a role.
Access to lethal means: Firearms, medications.
Exposure to suicide: Knowing someone who died by suicide or media coverage of suicide.
Bullying or discrimination: Experience of being bullied, marginalized, or discriminated against.
Medicine Used
There are no medications used directly to treat a suicide attempt itself. Medical treatment focuses on addressing the immediate physical consequences of the attempt (e.g., treating an overdose, bandaging wounds). Psychiatric medications may be prescribed to treat underlying mental health conditions that contributed to the attempt, such as:
Antidepressants: To treat depression.
Anxiolytics: To treat anxiety disorders.
Mood stabilizers: To treat bipolar disorder.
Antipsychotics: To treat schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders. Important Note: Medication management is only one part of treatment and should always be accompanied by therapy.
Is Communicable
No, a suicide attempt is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be "caught" from another person. However, exposure to suicide (e.g., knowing someone who died by suicide) can be a risk factor, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
Precautions
If someone is expressing suicidal thoughts or making plans to end their life, take it seriously. Do not dismiss their feelings or try to minimize their pain.
Remove access to lethal means: Secure firearms, medications, sharp objects, and other potentially dangerous items.
Stay with the person: Do not leave them alone.
Call for help: Contact a suicide hotline (e.g., 988 in the US and Canada), emergency services (911 or local equivalent), or a mental health professional.
Encourage them to seek professional help: Therapy and medication can be effective in treating underlying mental health conditions.
Create a safety plan: Work with the individual to develop a plan that outlines coping strategies, support contacts, and steps to take during a crisis.
Offer support and understanding: Let them know that you care and that they are not alone.
Promote mental health awareness: Reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage people to seek help when needed.
How long does an outbreak last?
A suicide attempt is an individual event, not an outbreak. However, there can be "suicide clusters," where a higher-than-expected number of suicides occur within a specific geographic area or time period, or among a particular population. The duration of a cluster can vary.
How is it diagnosed?
A suicide attempt itself isn't "diagnosed." Instead, medical professionals and mental health professionals assess the following:
Medical evaluation: To address any physical injuries or medical complications resulting from the attempt.
Psychiatric evaluation: A comprehensive assessment of the individual's mental health, including:
Current symptoms and history of mental illness.
Substance use history.
Trauma history.
Suicidal ideation, intent, and plan.
Risk factors and protective factors.
Social support.
Family history of mental illness or suicide.
Diagnosis of underlying mental health conditions: Based on the psychiatric evaluation, a diagnosis may be made (e.g., major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, etc.).
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms leading up to a suicide attempt can vary greatly. It can be sudden and impulsive, or it can develop over a longer period of time. Possible progression of symptoms:
Early stages: Vague feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness. Difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep or appetite.
Intermediate stages: Increased feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or shame. Withdrawal from social activities. Increased irritability or agitation.
Late stages: Direct statements about wanting to die or disappear. Making plans for suicide. Giving away possessions. Increased substance use. It's important to remember that not everyone who attempts suicide will experience all of these symptoms. Some individuals may mask their feelings or appear fine on the surface.
Important Considerations
Suicide is preventable.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Mental health conditions are treatable.
Stigma surrounding mental illness prevents people from seeking help.
Access to mental health care is essential.
Support from family and friends is crucial.
If you are concerned about someone, don't be afraid to ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide. Asking does not put the idea in their head.
Never promise to keep someone's suicidal thoughts a secret. You may need to break confidentiality to get them the help they need.
Take care of your own mental health. Supporting someone who is suicidal can be emotionally draining. Seek support for yourself if needed.