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Suicide and Attempted Suicide

How common is it?

Suicide is the 2nd most common cause of death in men under the age of 35, second only to accidents. In women it is less common, but the amount of people who attempt to take their own life has risen dramatically over the last 40 years. Suicide is extremely rare in children under the age of 14, as they tend to express their emotions in other ways – crying, for example. In teenagers more than 13 out of every 100,000 complete suicide, although many more attempt it. In a recent survey 65% of people between 15 and 25 years old said they knew someone who has attempted suicide.

Who is most at risk?

• People who are depressed, or have a serious mental illness – if they get the help and treatment they need, the risk can be greatly reduced.
• People who are using drugs or alcohol when they are upset.
• Someone who has a relative or friend who tried to kill themselves.

Why do people try to kill themselves?

Nearly everyone has times when they feel sad and lonely. Sometimes it can feel as if no one really likes us, that we are a failure, that we just upset people and that no one would care if we were dead. We may feel angry but unable to say so, or feel hopeless about the future. It is feelings like these that make some young people try to kill themselves. Often, several upsetting things have happened over a short time and one more upset or rejection is the ‘last straw’. An argument with parents is a common example. Teenagers who try to kill themselves are often trying to cope independently with very upset feelings or difficult problems for the first time. They don’t know how to solve their problems or lack the support they need to cope with a big upset. They feel overwhelmed and see no other way out.

Often, the decision to attempt suicide is made quickly without thinking. At the time, many people just want their problems to disappear, and have no idea how to get help. They feel as if the only way out is to kill themselves.

How can you help?

• If you are trying to help someone who is suicidal, your chief concern will be their immediate safety and the causes of their desperation. It’s important to encourage the person to talk about their despairing feelings, as this will help them to think things through.
• Don’t dismiss expressions of hopelessness as a "cry for help", or try to jolly them out of it. Just being there for the person and listening in an accepting way can help them feel less isolated and frightened.
• You could try to persuade the person to get help – their GP is a good starting point, or perhaps a phone line or other anonymous means of communication. (See Help! for more information.)
• Help the person think of ways to cope when they feel really low – this could be a contacts list to work through to find someone to talk to, or similar.

If you are in a close relationship with someone who has suicidal thoughts, you are likely to feel fearful, angry or guilty. You will need to find someone – whether a friend, family member, a professional, or a carers’ support group – in whom you can confide your fears. Compile your own support list to ensure that your needs are met.

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Although we have attempted to gather the information provided here from reputable sources, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content. In particular please note that the information is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. If any of the content of this site causes you concerns please seek further advice.