Dealing with Suicidal Ideation and Suicide

Suicide is a prevalent issue in Canada. On average, 275 people attempt to commit suicide across the country daily. From every loss to suicide, 7 to 10 people are permanently affected. Within Ethiopia, Eritrea, and their diaspora communities, suicide is a taboo topic that often goes undiscussed. However, these communities are not immune to the issue.

What is Suicidal Ideation:

         Suicidal ideation, or suicidal thoughts, refers to thinking about or planning suicide. These thoughts can range from creating a plan that is detailed, to having a fleeting thought of consideration. However, suicidal ideation does not include the final act of suicide.

Who is at Risk?

 There are certain segments of the population that have a higher rate of risk of suicide. These groups include:

–   Men and boys

–   Those who are serving federal sentences

–   Those who are survivors of a suicide attempt or those who are survivors of suicide loss

–   Some First Nation and Métis communities, especially among youth

–   All Inuit regions in Canada

Those who are members of the LGBTQ+ community are at risk of suicide and suicide-related behaviours and exhibit these signs for frequently than their non-LGBTQ+ peers.

Signs to look out for:

There are several signs to look out for when thinking about warning signs that you or a loved one may be exhibiting.

Warning signs include:

–   Thinking or talking about suicide

–   Having a plan for suicide

However, there are other, less obvious signs that may be exhibited:

–   Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities

–   Feeling as though you have no purpose in life or there is no reason for living

–   Feeling as though you are trapped and there is no way out of a situation

–   Feeling hopeless about the future or feeling as though life will never get better

–   Increasing the use of substances such as inhalants, alcohol, or drugs

–   Talking about being a burden to someone or being in unbearable pain

–   Anxiety or drastic mood changes and feelings such as sadness, helplessness and/or anger

How to help someone in a crisis:

There are steps one can take to help a loved one who is dealing with suicidal thoughts or displaying signs that they are considering suicide. You might be asking yourself, “how can I help”. Here are some things you can do, taken from Suicide Prevention Lifeline, to help someone who may be in need:

–   Ask the person if they are considering suicide, this will not increase the risk of them committing according to studies

–   Be direct and talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide

–   Be willing to listen to the person and allow them to express their feelings freely

–   Be non-judgemental and avoid debating or lecturing them while they express their feelings

–   Get involved and become available to them

–   Do not be sworn into secrecy about their suicidal thoughts

–   Take action by removing harmful items or means such as weapons and pills

–   Get help from people or agencies that specialize in crisis intervention and suicide prevention

–   Follow up with them once the initial crisis has passed, this has been observed to reduce the risk of a reoccurrence

Resources:

If in an emergency or crisis, call 911 or visit your local emergency department

There are also many distress centres and distress lines you can contact for help in the GTA:

Canada Suicide Prevention Service:

833-456-4566

Toronto Distress Centres:

416-608-4357 or 408-HELP

Gerstein Centre:

416-929-5200

Spectra Helpline:

416-920-0497 or 905-459-7777 for Brampton and  Mississauga residents

Assaulted Women’s Helpline:

416-836-0511; Toll-free: 1-866-863-0511

Kids Help Phone:

1-800-668-6868