Holding the Lifeline
A Guide to Suicide Prevention

Module 2: Recognizing the Progressive Development of Suicide - Page 2 of 19

The Progression of Suicide

"Suicidal thoughts can come on suddenly and abruptly. What you need in that instance is for the person in your life to know the signs and not let you climb into bed at 7:00 p.m., then at 6:00 p.m., then earlier, and eventually not go to work at all.

You need an emergency preparedness plan for suicide. You lose it so quickly and completely, there is not even an ounce of you left that wants to hang on. At that time, you need to be able to call in the troops--friends who can help with dinners for your family or take the kids to soccer practice.

What can you say to a person with suicidal behavior? Be consistent and persistent and remind that person that it is temporary. Acknowledge the reality of what the person is feeling and put it in clinical terms when it is appropriate, but, also in loving terms when appropriate. You can't let yourself be sucked into the self-pity and guilt that the person might make you fall into.

Being able to let yourself go into someone else's protective care is the only thing that can save you.

When the suicidal thoughts finally do break--and they will--your senses come back to life. You can taste your food again... feel the texture of a warm blanket... see the fall trees and their beautiful colors. You can feel love again."

-- The words of a suicide attempt survivor

Among the after-effects of a suicide is the feeling of disbelief among family, friends, and other loved ones. How could she/he have done this horrible thing? I can't believe that someone I know would do such a thing.

Impulsive Suicide

Some completed suicides are the result of impulsive actions. Impulsiveness is the tendency to act without thinking. It has implications for both a plan of action and its consequences. Impulsiveness has been linked to suicidal behavior, typically through its connection to mental disorders and substance abuse. Some mental disorders contain impulsiveness as one of their diagnostic criteria. Those disorders that are the most linked to suicide include borderline personality disorder among young females, conduct disorder among young males and antisocial behavior in adult males, and alcohol and substance abuse among young and middle-aged males.ref It is less of an indicator for suicide in older adults. Impulsiveness, with and without aggression or violence, has been found to add to the risk of suicide.

<< Previous Page Next Page >>