Imagine a person very close to you, whether it is a child, sibling, parent or friend. Imagine the pain of losing them. It’s hard to imagine. Having them there one day and suddenly gone the next, not knowing what happened or the reasons why.
Suicide is unfortunately becoming a growing cause of death among young people in Canada. Between 400 and 500 young people aged 15 to 24 take their lives every year. They cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel and take the easy way out. They do not realize there is always hope, someone to talk to, and someone willing to listen. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
Suicide is not a spur-of-the-moment decision. It is a complex process. Most who commit suicide gave it some thought and in many cases gave indications of their intentions. If a person mentions that they are depressed or having suicidal thoughts, never brush it off. Many think that people are just looking for attention. All suicide threats should be taken with concern. There are some things that you can look for when dealing with someone you think is contemplating suicide.
The cause is usually attributed to more than one single factor. Many things can cause a young person’s mind to go toward the idea of suicide. Some causes are stressful situations at home, break-up of a romance, problems in school, loss of a loved one, divorce in the family, or being bullied at school. Dealing with bisexuality or homosexuality in an unsupportive family, community or hostile school environment is a major factor. Suicide is the second highest death rate in Canada for young people aged 15 to 24.
There are warning signs people thinking of attempting suicide will exhibit. Sudden change in behaviour (negative or positive), giving away valued possessions, signs of depression, change in eating patterns, sudden weight gain or loss, unwillingness or the inability to communicate and neglect of appearance. For every completed suicide there are 100 attempts and more than 23,000 Canadians are hospitalized for attempted suicide.
If you are concerned about a friend or family member the most important thing that can be done is to be there for them. Keep the communication open. Express concern, love and support. Though it may be difficult to talk about it, try and breach the subject. Show that there are still people who care for them. Make them realize these feelings will pass and there is light at the end of the tunnel. If you or someone you care about is currently in crisis, call 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or the People In Need Crisis Line at 1-888-353-CARE.
Kieran Frey is an student at Okanagan College who wrote this article as part of an assignment for his English class.
